Riders to watch at Cape Epic 2026 – Mountain bike stars, gravel pros and Epic veterans form strong and open field for 700km challenge

The 2026 Cape Epic is already generating significant buzz, with CyclingNews highlighting a formidable start list featuring mountain bike stars Kate Courtney and Alessandra Keller, alongside gravel specialists and Epic veterans such as Matt Beers and Sam Gaze. This early announcement underscores the growing anticipation for the 700km challenge, promising an exceptionally deep and open field where established talent and cross-discipline prowess will converge in a fierce battle for the coveted leader jerseys.

This premature focus on the 2026 edition, a full two years out, is telling. It reflects the Cape Epic's elevated status as a premier off-road event, attracting top-tier athletes from various disciplines – a trend accelerated by the burgeoning gravel scene and the Olympic cross-country calendar. For riders like Courtney and Keller, it’s a chance to assert dominance beyond the XCO circuit, while Beers and Gaze represent the seasoned endurance and explosive power often required. The early speculation signals not just rider interest, but also the strategic planning now demanded to secure a strong partnership and prepare for such a brutal multi-day race.

Ultimately, the Cape Epic's allure lies in its unique blend of physical torment and strategic partnership. Predicting winners two years out is, of course, a fool's errand, but the early chatter confirms its undeniable gravitational pull on the sport's elite.