African Epic captures 10 years of The Untamed Mountain Bike Race, the Absa Cape Epic
The Untamed African Mountain Bike Race, the Absa Cape Epic, has announced the publication of a coffee table book to mark its 10th year.
The book, entitled African Epic, will be available on their website, at their events, from Kalahari.net as well as through Amazon in the United Kingdom.
Written by journalist and television commentator Neil Gardiner, former cycling magazine editor and part-time adventurer Nic Lamond and editor, travel writer and novelist Justin Fox, it promises to encapsulate all the epic moments in the race since its inception in 2004.
Talented photographers, who have sweated their way through the Cape Epic over the years, captured the beauty, drama and scale of the event through their lenses.
They include world-renowned photographer Gary Perkin, well-known South African Karin Schermbrucker and World Cup downhill racer Sven Martin. Sports and lifestyle photographer Nick Muzik and Tour de France photographer Greg Beadle complete the team.
“Creating the Absa Cape Epic took every ounce of effort I could muster and a lifetime of emotions, said founder Kevin Vermaak. “I’ve foregone nights and even weeks of sleep and, in the beginning, it took every cent I had.
“But, every day that passes, I feel privileged to have had the chance to feel true passion for what I do. In some ways, it’s almost a relief to be one of the fortunate few who have the opportunity to turn a hobby into a sustainable business.
“Every year, the event produces great stories of personal triumph, inspiration, honour, the settling of old scores and rising above adversity. I hope readers are inspired to join us on our journey, whether it’s blazing the trail at this year’s race or watching from the comfort of their armchair, witnessing this great tale unfold.”
