• Words by | Wyatt Peterson

  • Photos by | Ray Cox, Sean Greene, Kai Caddy

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...

  • VIDEO: Bienve Goes Big in Virgin, UT...Tannus Goes Missing!

    VIDEO: Bienve Goes Big in Virgin, UT...Tannus Goes Missing!

    Join Tannus athlete Bienvenido Aguado as he takes on the legendary terrain of Virgin, Utah...the stomping grounds of Red Bull Rampage. In this absurdly fun behind-the-scenes feature, we explore a wild new mountain bike shredit (spoiler: we helped fund it but you won’t see us), plus a candid interview with Bienve on why he trusts Tannus Armour Inserts to go big, go hard, and land smooth. Packed with insane freeride footage, rider insights, and epic photos, this blog is a love letter to gravity-defying stunts, reliable gear, and... all the other sponsors who actually made it on camera.

  • Utah Grit, Swiss Peaks, and a Rainbow Jersey

    Utah Grit, Swiss Peaks, and a Rainbow Jersey

    After nearly walking away from the sport earlier this year, Utah’s own Keegan Swenson roared back in Switzerland to claim the rainbow jersey. The 31-year-old became the first American man to win the UCI Marathon Mountain Bike World Championship, grinding through 125 kilometers and 5,000 meters of brutal alpine terrain. Powered by grit, redemption, and a set of Tannus Tubeless Inserts, Keegan now carries the title of 2025 UCI Marathon World Champion.

  • Fixing Flats Without Losing Your Cool (Or Your Ride)

    Fixing Flats Without Losing Your Cool (Or Your Ride)

    Flat tires are the uninvited trail companion every mountain biker meets sooner or later. Whether you’re bombing down rocky singletrack, navigating rooty climbs, or just cruising your local loop, a sudden loss of pressure can turn your epic ride into a hike-a-bike mission. In this guide, we break down the best ways to fix a mountain bike flat tire fast, whether you’re running tubeless, traditional tubes, or using tire inserts. From essential MTB flat tire repair kits to trail-tested patch jobs, we’ve got you covered. Plus, learn how Tannus Armour and tubeless inserts can help you prevent flats in the first place and ride with confidence.

  • Keegan Swenson’s Secret Weapon: Five Wins Deep at Leadville 100

    Keegan Swenson’s Secret Weapon: Five Wins Deep at Leadville 100

    Keegan Swenson proved once again why he’s the rider to beat at the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, securing his fifth consecutive win with a gritty ride through high-altitude climbs, dusty descents, and relentless headwinds. Racing at over 10,000 feet, Swenson leaned on his discipline, determination, and a not-so-secret weapon, Tannus inserts, to push through where flats or fatigue could have ended the day. From the Utah connection that first brought him to Tannus, to the lessons learned in past races, Keegan’s story is one of endurance, smart gear choices, and respect for the legends who came before him.

  • Common Causes of Bike Tire Punctures & How to Prevent Them

    Common Causes of Bike Tire Punctures & How to Prevent Them

    Flats happen, but they don’t have to. In this guide, we break down the most common causes of flat bicycle tires, from sharp debris to worn-out inner tubes. Learn how to prevent flats with Tannus Armour, Tubeless Inserts, and Airless Bike Tires, solutions built to protect your bike tubes and keep you riding. Whether you're on a road bike, mountain bike, or electric bicycle tire, we’ll show you how to change a bike tire less often and avoid relying on your bike tire repair kit.