Xavier and Andeon Louw, founders and executives of GreenSun, one of South Africa’s leading solar energy companies, typically spend their days managing teams and driving business strategy. This March, however, they’ll swap business meetings for blisters when they tackle the gruelling 2025 ABSA Cape Epic – an eight-day mountain bike race widely considered one of the toughest endurance events in the world.
“After fourteen years solving energy problems and building GreenSun, we wanted a different kind of challenge,” says Xavier, CEO of the firm behind South Africa’s largest seamless-switching solar installation. “The Epic is 700 kilometres of brutal terrain. No spreadsheets or conference calls – just dust, sweat, and seriously sore muscles.”
The brothers will face scorching heat, steep climbs, and technical descents across the Western Cape’s unforgiving landscape. They’ll climb more than 15,000 meters in elevation – roughly twice the height of Mount Everest.
Pushing Limits On and Off the Bike
“We’ve always pushed ourselves beyond comfortable limits,” explains Andeon, GreenSun’s CCO. “That’s where the real fun is, whether in business or on the trail. Some people go to resorts; we prefer to test ourselves against something seriously difficult.”
Their preparation fits around busy work schedules and family commitments, with training sessions squeezed in after work and long rides on weekends. Despite the logistical challenges, the brothers insist this demanding regimen is part of the appeal.
“Business and the Epic have more in common than you’d think,” Xavier reflects with a wry smile. “Both require vision, resilience, and the ability to keep pedalling when every muscle screams to stop. The difference is that in business, you rarely get to enjoy world-class vineyards and mountain vistas, while suffering. I’ve spent years building sustainable energy solutions—now I get to test my own sustainable energy reserves.”
The Louws’ transition from tech executives to trail warriors represents their philosophy of pursuing what they call “big, hairy, audacious goals” both professionally and personally.
“Completing the Cape Epic together has always been a dream for us,” says Andeon. “This year is even more special with the route showcasing some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful landscapes – winding through Durbanville, Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Somerset West.”
For the Louw brothers, the race is not just about personal achievement; it reflects their passion for endurance, resilience, and pushing boundaries—values that drive both their business and their lives. Whether on the trail or in the boardroom, their commitment to tackling challenges head-on remains unwavering.
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