Words by Leah Van der Linden

Cape Epic has a way of putting everything into perspective. It’s not just another race on the calendar—it’s eight days of earning every second, every position, every moment. This year was my first time lining up for this iconic race in South Africa, deemed the Hardest MTB Stage Race in the World. It certainly lived up to everything I’d imagined, expected and more. Racing against world champions and Olympians, in a place that felt so raw and untamed, brought a different level of intensity to the experience. It was no longer just about fitness—it was about resilience, adaptability, and how deep we were willing to go when things got hard.

From the start, I knew equipment was going to matter over a week like this. With 3 spare wheelsets in tow, I was able to race all 8 days on the Hunt Proven XC UD wheels, paired with Continental Dubnital Trail Rapid 2.4 tires. That setup gave me the confidence to commit fully—especially when the terrain demanded it most. Cape Epic isn’t forgiving. The surfaces change constantly, the speeds are high, and the margin for error is small. Having a setup I could trust let me stay focused on the racing.

Prologue Stage - 20km, 650m

The prologue set the tone. Short, punchy, fast— this stage was a team time trial to seed all the teams. All the teams wanted to show up for this stage, and they sure did. With temps close to 40degrees C, the prologue was a reminder that there’s no easing into Cape Epic. You’re immediately in it; pushing limits, riding smooth with your partner and trying to find rhythm in all the nerves.

Stage 1 - 68km, 1800m

This was where the race really began. Longer, hotter, more technical, even tactical. The start of the race was hectic, chaotic, and so fast; pretty much what we all expected. Group dynamics started to form, and the race was on. It was a day of settling in while still being pushed to the limit—finding that balance between patience and staying in the mix. With the tough climbs, hike a bike sections, and punchy singletrack, we fought our way to the finish battling with two other teams to the line which was super cool. 

Stage 2 - 80km, 1750m

The fatigue started to creep in. Not overwhelming yet, but definitely present in the legs. The terrain kept us honest—longer climb efforts where you had to manage energy with some technical sections that demanded focus later on in the stage. Today wasn't easy for me, but that's why your partner is so important in a race like this. From the African Game Lodge to dusty Montagu Wine Estates, this stage threw everything at us.

Stage 3 - 110km, 1500m

Today was the longest stage of the race. A point to point from Montagu to Greyton. This kind of day is where you’re constantly checking in with yourself. The weather turned, the accumulated fatigue was more, and the relentless course made it one of those stages where you just keep moving forward, one section at a time. Unfortunately we had some crashes early on in the singletrack that left us chasing for the first part of the day, but we eventually made contact with the lead group. Helicopters, motorbikes, riding with the top teams - this is where we belonged. It was a muddy, wet day riding through farm fields, cow tracks, and gravel roads, but we fought to stay in the top 10.

Stage 4 - 62km, 1450m

Stage 4 was a tough one for us. Not even 5 minutes into the race, our team had a mechanical problem causing us to stop, fix a tire, and chase... all day. This day was the most singletrack we had making it was a long, long day of burning matches to get around teams. After towing teams around in pursuit of protecting our GC time, the final climb took everything out of us and we both knew it. The descent to the finish line was loose, rocky, and steep so focus was key at that point. A digger of a day for our team as we had to shake it off and prepare for the queen's stage tomorrow.

Stage 5 - 90km, 2150m

Deemed as the Queen's Stage: At this point in the race you’re deep enough in that your body knows the routine, but the effort never gets easier. This stage had it all: weather, tacky dirt, steep vineyard climbs, a 1664 horse and buggy portage, a brutal pass climb.. should I say more? It brought some of the most technical and demanding racing of the week. To say we were proud to cross the finish line that day is certainly an understatement.

Stage 6 - 65km, 1850m

Now it was all about endurance. By this point, everyone is carrying so much fatigue, and it becomes a mental game as much as physical. Staying present, staying fueled, and continuing to push when your body is asking for a break—that’s what defines these later stages. Stage 6 was some epic singletrack in the Stellenbosch region. Flowy, fast, 'hero dirt' we like to call it. Today was a fun day.

Stage 7 - 60km, 2150m

The final stage is always a mix of emotions. Relief, pride, and a bit of disbelief that it’s almost over, but they didn't make the last stage easy by any means. Stage 7 was tough from the gun as we climbed up for about 30min along the contour roads in Stellenbosch until we hit some of the best singletrack riding in the area. Lots of climbing, lots of descending. We ended on the infamous G-Spot trail which left me smiling ear to ear. There’s just something special about crossing the final finish knowing you earned every bit of it. And of course we celebrated, holding hands in the air, proud of this incredible accomplishment.

All in all, Cape Epic demanded respect, preparation, and a willingness to suffer. But in return, the race delivered an experience that’s hard to match. Racing in South Africa for the first time, surrounded by the best in the world, was something I won’t forget. It’s a race that challenges you in every way."

~Leah Van der Linden, Team Wolf Tooth Components - 2026 Cape Epic 7th Overall Elite