The first quarter of 2026 cements the Western Cape’s reputation as the premier global destination for both road and mountain biking. From the jagged peaks of the Witzenberg to the iconic coastal curves of the Atlantic Seaboard, this “Great Summer of Cycling” offers a gauntlet of grit, prestige, and unparalleled scenery.
Attakwas Extreme: The 20th Anniversary (17 January)
The season ignites in the Klein Karoo with the historic 20th edition of the Attakwas Extreme. Known affectionately as “The Hell of the South,” this 121km point-to-point race from Oudtshoorn to Groot-Brakrivier is a brutal test of endurance. To celebrate two decades of grit, the 2026 edition features a tweaked, faster route and an extra hour on the cut-off time. Despite these updates, riders still face the daunting Attakwaskloof and over 2,600m of vertical ascent, ensuring only the toughest survive.
Winelands Cycle Race (25 January)
As the focus shifts toward the road, the Winelands Cycle Race takes centre stage in Wellington. Serving as a critical seeding event for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, the race winds through the rolling vineyards of the Paarl and Wellington valleys. The 102km long route is expected to attract a record field of enthusiasts and pros alike, all looking to secure a favorable start time for the March finale while navigating the region’s notorious summer “South-Easter” wind.
Ford Trailseeker Series: Plaisir Estate, Banhoek Valley (31 January)
Mountain bikers will descend on the historic Plaisir Estate, situated in the heart of the Banhoek Valley, at the end of January. As the opening round of the Ford Trailseeker Series, this event offers a masterclass in trail building, featuring a blend of manicured singletrack and punchy climbs against the backdrop of the Groot Drakenstein mountains. The estate’s world-class network provides the perfect high-intensity “tune-up” for the gruelling stage races scheduled for the following months.
Tankwa Trek: The “Merino Monster” (5–8 February)
Widely considered the ultimate dress rehearsal for the Cape Epic, the Tankwa Trek is a four-day UCI stage race through the rugged Witzenberg Valley. The 2026 edition will be defined by the legendary “Merino Monster”—a climb so steep it forces even the world’s elite to find new depths of resolve. The rocky, technical terrain and extreme temperature fluctuations make this one of the most prestigious titles on the mountain biking calendar.
Cape Town Cycle Tour: A New UCI Era (8 March)
History will be made on 8 March as the Cape Town Cycle Tour officially joins the UCI Gran Fondo World Series. This transition elevates the world’s largest timed cycle race to a new level of international prestige, allowing riders to qualify for the World Championships in Japan. Tens of thousands of riders will circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, crossing Chapman’s Peak and Suikerbossie under the watchful eye of UCI officials, blending mass-participation spirit with elite global racing standards.
Absa Cape Epic: The Grand Finale (15–22 March)
The season culminates with the Absa Cape Epic, the “Tour de France of Mountain Biking.” The 2026 route is a 692km odyssey with 15,900m of climbing, starting at Meerendal Wine Estate and traversing Montagu, Greyton, and Stellenbosch. As the finish line draws near at the end of March, it will mark the conclusion of a three-month journey that proves the Western Cape is truly the heartbeat of the global cycling community.
A Season of Unrivaled Adventure
As the dust settles on the 2026 summer season, it is clear that the Western Cape offers a cycling experience found nowhere else on Earth. The sheer diversity of the terrain—from the arid challenges of the Karoo to the lush valleys of the Winelands and the iconic urban backdrop of Cape Town—provides a playground for every type of rider.
Whether it is the professional pursuit of UCI points or the personal triumph of finishing a first 100km road race, the “Great Summer of Cycling” represents more than just a series of events; it is a celebration of the spirit of endurance. For those who brave the 2026 season, these three months leave behind more than just tanned lines and tired legs—they leave a legacy of grit and a reminder that the Cape remains the undisputed capital of the cycling world.
