In Unpaved Chronicles, we delve into the world of off-road cycling. These disciplines combine the adventure of off-road riding with the intensity of racing. No smooth asphalt, but gravel roads, steep climbs, and unpredictable terrain. More and more riders are drawn to this mix of endurance, technique, and tactics.
Sunday, March 15, 2026, saw the kick-off of mountain biking's ultimate event in the Western Cape of South Africa: the 22nd edition of the Cape Epic, the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world. Kevin Panhuyzen, alongside Frans Claes, is at the start line as Alupex Belgian Pandas, aiming for a top 10 finish.
Tougher than previous editions
This year's Cape Epic course in 2026 is considerably longer than last year's edition. Participants must conquer just over 700 km, including nearly 16,000 vertical meters, traversing the rugged South African wilderness. The 20 km prologue still takes place on familiar ground in and around the Meerendal Wine Estate. But after that, the caravan moves east towards the inhospitable Montagu. It has been almost 20 years since the Cape Epic last ventured into the dry Montagu. The conditions immediately make the race unpredictable. Heat, rough trails, and long climbs always provide surprises every year.
The first test of strength
The Cape Epic prologue, just like last year, took place at the beautiful Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville. A few small adjustments created a more challenging 20-kilometer course with about 650 vertical meters. And the temperatures, soaring into the high thirties, also ensured a serious race of attrition. "I was actually looking forward to it more than it felt during the time trial," Kevin Panhuyzen laughed afterward. "It was a lot of fun, but perhaps a bit warm to start. After a few minutes, I already felt like I was hitting a wall, especially on that last climb which was fully in the sun and had almost no wind." The duo had made a clear plan beforehand. On the flatter sections, Panhuyzen took the lead, where he could set the pace with his high power output, while Claes took care of the climbs. That worked well, although Panhuyzen had to take over again on the final climb when Claes was struggling a bit. Afterward, satisfaction prevailed for the duo; with a 13th place in the general classification and small differences towards the top 10, anything is still possible.
Mid-race, everything is still possible
Halfway through the Cape Epic, Frans and Kevin are still going strong, even after a grueling fourth stage. On paper, the stage might have been the longest, but not necessarily the toughest of this hellish week. Yet, day four turned into a lightning-fast battle under harsh weather conditions.
The stage from Montagu to Greyton was a tribute to the history of the Cape Epic: a long journey over open roads, where good teamwork was essential to avoid falling behind. From the start, the pace was scorching towards the iconic Cogmanskloof Pass, where it immediately became clear that the tempo would be brutally high. "From the beginning, we were already averaging over 35 kilometers per hour. It felt like a mountain bike echelon race," said Panhuyzen. Claes confirmed: "The organization had calculated that the first riders would only finish after five hours of racing. But we were already in after four and a half hours. Then you know it was a hellish pace."
After four days of Cape Epic, fatigue is starting to accumulate. "My legs filled up quickly today," Panhuyzen admitted. "I hope I can recover well." Mentally, it's also getting tougher, Claes confirmed: "That bucket of suffering is slowly filling up, but that applies to everyone. The strongest riders are still at the front, but it takes a toll mentally and physically."
Nevertheless, satisfaction prevails for the Alupex Belgian Pandas. With a fourteenth place in the general classification, Claes and Panhuyzen prove that they are still very much in the race.
Want to keep following Kevin Panhuyzen & Frans Claes (and other Airoman.cc teams and riders)? Follow us on Instagram @airomancyclingclub and read more soon on Airoman.cc!