Cape Epic - Race Concept

Race Concept

Two person team
All riders must enter as a two-person team. Teams register in one of four different categories that include Men, Ladies, Mixed and Masters (both riders must have a combined age of 40 years or older on race day). Initially the team concept was developed because stage racing often takes riders through some very remote areas, and having partners who are bound by the race rules to look after each other serves a very valuable safety function. A two-person team race originated as an adventure – but this concept of ‘looking after each other’ still runs deep in the ethos and technique of stage racing. It’s gone from being a necessity to an integral part of race tactics. Even the pros have to be in perfect sync, taking care of one another. Riders in a team must remain within 2 minutes of each other at all times during the race or face a one-hour penalty. This is enforced by means of timing mats places through the stage. After a third offence, the team is disqualified. Teams are expected to reach the finish line by the specified maximum stage time, team dynamics therefore are a major part of the race.

Categories and leader jerseys
All riders aim to win stages, but mostly they want to win the overall general classification. The leading team wears a distinctive yellow jersey. This competition is decided by totaling the time each team takes on the daily stages. The team with the lowest overall time at the end of each stage receives ceremonial leaders’ jerseys and the right to start the next stage of the race in those jerseys. The team to receive the leaders’ jerseys after the last stage are the overall winners of the Absa Cape Epic. The yellow colour is adopted from the Tour de France leader’s jersey (the colour of the pages of L-Equipe, the race’s initial sponsor).

Miscellaneous categories
There are five categories: men, women, mixed, masters and grand masters. A team who leads more than one category wears the jersey of the most prestigious (yellow). The colours denoting the category leaders are: yellow – men; rust – ladies, green – mixed (a woman and a man), blue – masters (both riders must be 40-49 years or older on race day).

Blue numbers boards
Any rider who does not complete a stage within the maximum stage time for the first time will be classified as a blue board rider. Blue board riders will be entitled to continue the race (they may start the following stage), but will not be classified as official race finishers. Should any blue board rider fail for the second time to finish a stage within the maximum stage time or fail to start a stage, he or she will not be allowed to continue the race.

Outcast jersey
UCI licensed riders who lose their partners will be allowed to continue riding but without influence the outcome of the race. They are required to ride in an Outcast Jersey. Riders in this jersey may not ride within the first 30 teams or interfere with the race or other categories such as the mixed or ladies teams. Any rider or team accepting mechanical or any other assistance from the outcast rider will be penalised. This will give the rider the opportunity to finish the race, be it unofficially, but still be part of the experience.

Internal technical and tactical support
It is allowed - any rider, including riders from the same sponsor (but not in the same 2-rider team) can provide technical assistance and equipment from his own bicycle to support another rider. Teams can also form alliances with other riders and teams, even if they are not of the same sponsor.

Pro-Am aspect of the race
Amateurs use the same chute, ride the same course and stay in the same race village as the UCI registered riders, which include world and national champions and Olympic medalists.

Amabubesi
This is a loyalty programme to recognise riders that return each year to ride the Absa Cape Epic. "Amabubesi" means "pack of lions" in Zulu. In addition to a special certificate to honour their achievement members receive a set of benefits. Three finishes secures entry into the club, but as the race has matured, additional benefits have been reserved for riders that have completed a greater number of races. In 2013, a guaranteed slot at the Absa Cape Epic is reserved for those who have completed 6 events or more, without the need to enter the public lottery in order to obtain a start place. Special Amabubesi merchandise range is available only for members.