ABSA Cape Epic 2025

Some Races Test Endurance. Others Test Willpower.

The Absa Cape Epic does both... and then some. From March 16 to 23, 2025, riders will face 608 kilometers of untamed trails and 16,500 meters of relentless climbing through South Africa’s Western Cape. This isn’t just a race; it’s survival on two wheels.

And this year, Keegan Swenson isn’t going it alone. He’s teaming up with none other than three-time Cape Epic champion Matt Beers to take on the beast together.

A Race That Devours the Weak

The Cape Epic isn’t just tough, it’s mythological. Loose dirt turns to sand traps, climbs that stretch to the horizon, and the sun burns away any illusion of comfort. Riders start each morning with their bodies already wrecked from the day before, legs screaming, minds teetering on the edge of surrender. But there’s no room for weakness.

To make things even more brutal, the course changes every year. No two editions are the same, meaning every rider, rookie or veteran, steps onto an even playing field of suffering.

This isn’t a solo mission. Teams of two take on the course together, bound by a rule as brutal as the terrain itself: if your partner cracks, your race is over. Swenson’s success isn’t just about watts or VO2 max, it’s about trust, strategy, and knowing that the person next to you can suffer just as beautifully as you can.

The Ultimate Team-Up: Swenson & Beers

Keegan Swenson and Matt Beers are riding under the team name Outride-Toyota-Songo. It’s a dream partnership that brings together two of the strongest forces in off-road racing. Beers, a South African powerhouse, has won the Cape Epic three times. He knows the terrain, the suffering, and exactly what it takes to win. Swenson? He’s an XC and gravel juggernaut, a three-time Lifetime Grand Prix champion, king of Leadville, ruler of Unbound Gravel, destroyer of the White Rim FKT, and a master of pushing limits.

Swenson and Beers are also racing in partnership with Outride, a nonprofit dedicated to getting more kids on bikes. "I'm stoked to represent Outride and the work they do to get more kids on bikes," says Swenson. "Cycling has been such a huge part of my life, so being able to race for a cause that shares that passion is an honor. We’re here to win, but it's awesome to know we're riding for something bigger than ourselves."

The Tannus Advantage

One big aspect of Swenson’s setup is Tannus Tubeless inserts. The invisible advantage that keeps him charging full-speed into the unknown. More control, fewer flats, and the confidence to hammer descents without fear.

Swenson called Tannus his "secret weapon" long before we knew he was even riding them. He’s a fan of our Gravel Insert and views Tannus as a partner, collaborating to develop the best inserts on the market. In an eight-day war like the Cape Epic, that edge can mean everything. Because this race is about suffering smarter.

Where to Watch the Madness Unfold

The Cape Epic is an Odyssey. A trial by fire, a reckoning of will, a stage where legends either rise or crumble into dust. And for Swenson and Beers, it’s a chance to etch their names into history together.

Want to witness the chaos? The 2025 ABSA Cape Epic will be broadcast live on the Epic Series website, YouTube, and the Epic Series app. Track riders in real time, feel the heartbreak of mechanicals, and watch the final sprints that define careers. This is pain, glory, and history in the making.

Want to see the course? Watch this video to see how Epic it really is!

Additional Posts...

Tannus Armour Review: 7 Things Riders Should Know Before Buying

If you have been researching Tannus Armour, you have probably come across some different opinions about what it does, how it installs, and whether it is worth it. Most of that confusion comes from riders comparing completely different bikes, riding styles, and expectations.

Tannus Armour is built for one simple purpose: helping tube-based bikes prevent flats before they happen. That means commuters, e-bike riders, kids’ bikes, mountain bikes running tubes, city bikes, and everyday riders who are tired of dealing with punctures, pinch flats, and roadside tube changes.

Let’s walk through the biggest questions riders usually have before buying.
The Best Bike Flat Protection of 2026: A No-Nonsense Guide
In 2026, as bikes get heavier and torque gets higher, relying on "thick rubber and luck" is no longer enough. This comprehensive guide breaks down the science of Advanced Polymer Dynamics and how Tannus Aither 1.1 technology is redefining ride reliability across three distinct categories:

Tannus Airless

Tannus Armour (Tube Liner)

Tannus Tubeless
Why Tannus Armour is the Best Flat Protection for E-Bikes: A Deep Dive into Tire Reliability

E-bikes have revolutionized transportation, but their weight and speed make them "puncture magnets." In this deep dive, we explore how Tannus Armour solves the unique "physics of the flat" that plagues heavy e-mobility. Featuring a 3,000-mile cross-country case study and a technical breakdown of the patented Aither micro-cell polymer, we show how a 15mm foam shield can eliminate 90% of punctures.

Learn why standard tires fail under e-bike loads and how Tannus Armour provides a critical "run-flat" safety net for commuters. We also share expert installation pro-tips, including tube sizing and the "rebound rule" to ensure your ride remains smooth, stable, and, most importantly, unstoppable. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a coastal cruiser, discover the "fit and forget" secret to total tire confidence.
The End of the Flat Tire? Airless vs. Pneumatic: What You Need to Know

Tired of the "dreaded hiss" ruining your morning commute? This guide breaks down the high-tech shift from traditional air-filled tires to the Tannus Airless revolution. Using patented Aither 1.1 micro-bubble polymer, Tannus has engineered a tire that is 100% puncture-proof, thermally stable from -20°C to 60°C, and lasts up to 10,000 km.

We debunk common myths about weight and grip, while highlighting why airless tech is the ultimate "fit and forget" solution for E-bikers and urban cyclists. Whether you're looking to save time on roadside repairs or reduce your environmental footprint with 100% recyclable materials, find out if making the switch to airless is the right move for your ride.
Why Tannus Armour Requires a Smaller Inner Tube

Installing Tannus Armour for the first time can feel counterintuitive, especially when the instructions tell you to run a smaller inner tube than your tire size. But that size-down rule is exactly what makes Armour work. The liner takes up space inside the tire, changing how the tube inflates and how the whole system behaves on the trail. A smaller tube prevents folds, friction, bead issues, and the mysterious flats riders sometimes blame on the insert itself. When the tube matches the reduced internal volume, Armour can do its job: absorbing impacts, blocking punctures, and keeping the ride smooth and predictable. If you want easier installation, better flat protection, and long-term reliability, choosing the correct tube size is the key to making Tannus Armour perform the way it was designed to.