The Cape Epic is just around the corner for Alessandra Keller
The Absa Cape Epic is just around the corner. For Alessandra Keller, a new adventure in her career begins on Sunday, 15 March. The Swiss world-class mountain biker will line up for the first time at the most prestigious stage race in mountain biking. Together with South African rider Candice Lill, she will form the team “Thömus maxon – Sabi Sabi.”
The Absa Cape Epic is widely regarded as the “Tour de France of mountain biking”. Over eight days of racing, the event crosses spectacular landscapes between Montagu and Stellenbosch and ranks among the toughest and most prestigious races on the international mountain bike calendar.
For Keller, it will be her first appearance at this legendary event and one of her major goals of the season. The Swiss rider has tailored her preparation specifically to the demands of a multi-day stage race and already spent several weeks in South Africa earlier this year.
“The Cape Epic is a race I’ve dreamed about for a long time. The atmosphere, the trails and the format make this event truly unique. I’m really looking forward to taking on this challenge together with Candice Lill,” says Keller.
Experience meets world-class racing
At the Cape Epic, Keller will compete alongside Candice Lill. The South African is one of the most experienced riders in the field and has already stood on the podium several times at this race.
The combination of Keller’s World Cup experience and Lill’s specific expertise in stage racing makes the duo “Thömus maxon – Sabi Sabi” an exciting team in the women’s field. Another advantage is that both riders use the same equipment. Since the 2026 season, Lill has also been racing on bikes from Thömus, which simplifies the coordination of bike setup and equipment.
Eight days of intense racing
The race begins on Sunday, 15 March with the prologue in Durbanville before the main stages start the following day in Montagu. In total, riders will cover 707 kilometres and 15,900 metres of climbing.
Fans can follow Alessandra Keller and Candice Lill via the official Cape Epic livestreams on YouTube.