As the 21st edition of the Absa Cape Epic approaches, South Africa’s premier mountain biking event is already making waves with the launch of its transformative #SheUntamed initiative.
NOWInSA dives into the heart of this inspiring journey, spotlighting Absa’s commitment to empowering women in sports – in this case female cyclists – and uplifting local communities ahead of the grueling 2025 race.
Team Absa training camp kicks off #SheUntamed 2025 journey
The iconic Absa Cape Epic kicked off its 2025 season on a high note with the Team Absa Training Camp, held from January 23 to 26 at the scenic Absa Karkloof Country Club in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
This four-day intensive camp blended rigorous preparation with community-driven purpose, offering riders routes spanning 17km to 91km and elevation climbs of 400m to 2,550m. Designed for both seasoned athletes and newcomers, the camp equipped participants with expert guidance on nutrition, mental resilience, bike mechanics, and partnership dynamics ahead of the highly-anticipated March 2025 race.
At the forefront is Absa’s #SheUntamed movement, which champions gender transformation in cycling. This year, 12 all-women teams and 40 Epic Trippers will join the program, marking a significant leap from its 2019 debut of 36 riders to 176 in 2024.
#SheUntamed: a one-of-its-kind movement redefining women’s cycling
Launched in 2019, #SheUntamed has become a cornerstone of Absa’s mission to drive inclusivity and opportunity in sports. Tina Venter, Absa Executive for Marketing Operations, emphasises its broader impact: “Absa is committed to leading the charge in empowering women in cycling. Our #SheUntamed goes beyond inclusivity – it’s about driving transformation and creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
The initiative’s global reach is expanding through Absa’s renewed three-year partnership with the Ironman Group, granting select riders access to international MTB events like the SPAR Swiss Epic and Andorra Epic Pyrenees.
Reflecting further on #SheUntamed and its grassroots growth, South African Olympian Candice Lill, the initiative’s long-serving ambassador, had this to say: “The project started with Absa recognising the lack of women—especially women of color—in the Cape Epic.”
She added: “From a team of two, we now have a community of 300 riders. It’s not just about the race; it’s about creating a lifestyle of riding.”
Lill further highlights the program’s evolution, stating: “In the beginning, some riders struggled to finish grueling routes. But with patient mentors and support, they’re now conquering 80km rides with 2,500m climbs—proof that potential thrives when met with opportunity.”
Community upliftment: Absa’s legacy beyond the trails
Absa Cape Epic’s influence extends well beyond the realm of cycling, with the Karkloof Country Club standing as a testament to its commitment to social change.
Through infrastructure upgrades and trail refurbishments, the club has become a hub for community development. Venter highlights the transformative impact of their partnerships, noting that Yarrow Intermediate School was revitalised with the conversion of a stationary bus into a library for 100 learners, along with the donation of books.
Not only that; Absa’s transformative collaboration with ILoveBoobies, a non-profit dedicated to providing life-saving breast cancer screenings for women, further reflects its dedication to uplifting communities.
This milestone underscores the power of collaboration as we invest in communities we serve, acting as a force for good” — ABSa’s TINA Venter
Since 2017, ILoveBoobies has screened nearly 10,000 women across South Africa, with Absa’s support amplifying outreach in underserved regions like the KZN Midlands — with plans to expand further into Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Venter elaborates on the partnership’s success, sharing that, “in our initial collaboration in 2024, we aimed to conduct 400 breast cancer screenings—but surpassed this goal by delivering 1,000 free screenings. This milestone underscores the power of collaboration as we invest in communities we serve, acting as a force for good.”
With the final #SheUntamed teams for the Absa Cape Epic set to be announced in February 2025, anticipation is building. Venter concludes: “We wish our 12 for 21 teams the best as they embody resilience and collaboration. Our stories go further when we write them together.”
Join the Journey: Follow Absa’s #SheUntamed movement at www.absa.africa and witness how purpose-driven cycling transforms lives.
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