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Media release

Media release

Absa gears up for the iconic 21st edition of the Absa Cape Epic, with the Team Absa Training Camp for the #SheUntamed class of 2025 in the breathtaking KZN Midlands

22 January 2025

As we prepare for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, our journey kicks off with the highly anticipated Team Absa Training Camp, which is scheduled from 23 to 26 January 2025 at the Absa Karkloof Country Club in the majestic KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands. This annual camp serves not only as a final check on preparation for the gruelling Absa Cape Epic but also as a celebration of community, empowerment and purpose, highlighting Absa’s commitment to making every story matter.

The training camp promises four days of breathtaking cycling routes, ranging from 17 to 91 kilometres of riding coupled with between 400 and 2 550 metres of climbing, designed to cater to both seasoned and first-time riders. It’s all aimed at preparing them for the challenges of the Absa Cape Epic and Epic Trippers programme.

In celebration of this milestone, Absa is proud to announce the 12 for 21 #SheUntamed class of 2025. Launched in 2019, the Absa #SheUntamed movement is a cornerstone of Absa’s dedication to empowering women and young girls in sports and beyond. This year’s programme will feature 12 mixed all-women teams, ranging from beginners to seasoned riders, alongside 40 women participating in the Epic Trippers session 1. Participants at the training camp will receive exclusive access to professional athletes and expert guidance in crucial areas such as the on- and off-the-bike partnership with your riding partner, nutrition, race preparation, the importance of rest and mental wellbeing, skills development and bush mechanics, to prepare them for the ultimate challenge, the Absa Cape Epic, which is set to take place from 17 to 23 March 2025.

“Absa is committed to leading the charge in empowering women in cycling,” says Tina Venter, Absa Executive for Marketing Operations. “Our #SheUntamed initiative goes beyond inclusivity – it’s about driving transformation and creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve. This year marks the beginning of our three-year renewal with the Ironman Group, which includes access to the Epic Global mountain-bike (MTB) series, which comprises the SPAR Swiss Epic, Andorra Epic Pyrenees and 4Islands Epic. Selected #SheUntamed riders will travel to unforgettable, inspiring destinations where exceptional trails wind through stunning landscapes, scattered with ruts, mud and dust. True grit, cheers and the sound of chains in motion will unite riders as they pursue each challenge.”

Since its inception, the Absa #SheUntamed programme has led to a significant increase in women participation, growing from 36 riders in 2019 to 176 in 2024, reflecting the transformative impact of Absa’s efforts.

In addition to fostering and nurturing women’s participation in cycling, Absa’s commitment extends to the broader community. The Absa Karkloof Country Club where the training camp will be hosted, has become a vital hub for community upliftment. Absa took on its naming rights in 2024. Through infrastructure upgrades, trail refurbishments and new facilities, the club now stands as a testament to Absa’s commitment to empowering local communities and supporting the sport of mountain biking. In addition to fostering camaraderie among riders, the training camp benefits local businesses, schools and farmers, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the Karkloof region.

At the heart of the camp’s philosophy is a commitment to being an active force for good. Absa’s support extends to initiatives such as the Yarrow Intermediate School where efforts include transforming a stationary bus into a fully operational library that accommodates 60 learners, refurbishing classrooms, providing essential school equipment and partnering with medical professionals to address sight and hearing challenges among learners. These initiatives are part of Absa’s broader mission to empower Africa’s future by fostering both literacy and inclusivity one legacy project at a time.

Our partnership with ILoveBoobies has also proven to be a powerful force for good in the community. During our 2024 training camp, we joined forces to provide over 1 000 free breast examinations to Karkloof locals. Since its inception in 2017, ILoveBoobies has screened nearly 10 000 women, 1 376 of whom were screened in 2024. The reach continues to grow, now also extending to the Western Cape and Gauteng. This initiative further highlights our unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change in the communities we serve.

Absa is excited to witness the continued growth of the #SheUntamed programme and will announce the final selection of teams for the ultimate challenge, the Absa Cape Epic, in early February 2025. “We wish our 12 for 21 teams the best of luck as they prepare for the race,” adds Venter. “We look forward to seeing their journey unfold as they embody the true spirit of resilience and collaboration. Our stories go further when we write them together.”

22 January 2025

As we prepare for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, our journey kicks off with the highly anticipated Team Absa Training Camp, which is scheduled from 23 to 26 January 2025 at the Absa Karkloof Country Club in the majestic KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands. This annual camp serves not only as a final check on preparation for the gruelling Absa Cape Epic but also as a celebration of community, empowerment and purpose, highlighting Absa’s commitment to making every story matter.

The training camp promises four days of breathtaking cycling routes, ranging from 17 to 91 kilometres of riding coupled with between 400 and 2 550 metres of climbing, designed to cater to both seasoned and first-time riders. It’s all aimed at preparing them for the challenges of the Absa Cape Epic and Epic Trippers programme.

In celebration of this milestone, Absa is proud to announce the 12 for 21 #SheUntamed class of 2025. Launched in 2019, the Absa #SheUntamed movement is a cornerstone of Absa’s dedication to empowering women and young girls in sports and beyond. This year’s programme will feature 12 mixed all-women teams, ranging from beginners to seasoned riders, alongside 40 women participating in the Epic Trippers session 1. Participants at the training camp will receive exclusive access to professional athletes and expert guidance in crucial areas such as the on- and off-the-bike partnership with your riding partner, nutrition, race preparation, the importance of rest and mental wellbeing, skills development and bush mechanics, to prepare them for the ultimate challenge, the Absa Cape Epic, which is set to take place from 17 to 23 March 2025.

“Absa is committed to leading the charge in empowering women in cycling,” says Tina Venter, Absa Executive for Marketing Operations. “Our #SheUntamed initiative goes beyond inclusivity – it’s about driving transformation and creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve. This year marks the beginning of our three-year renewal with the Ironman Group, which includes access to the Epic Global mountain-bike (MTB) series, which comprises the SPAR Swiss Epic, Andorra Epic Pyrenees and 4Islands Epic. Selected #SheUntamed riders will travel to unforgettable, inspiring destinations where exceptional trails wind through stunning landscapes, scattered with ruts, mud and dust. True grit, cheers and the sound of chains in motion will unite riders as they pursue each challenge.”

Since its inception, the Absa #SheUntamed programme has led to a significant increase in women participation, growing from 36 riders in 2019 to 176 in 2024, reflecting the transformative impact of Absa’s efforts.

In addition to fostering and nurturing women’s participation in cycling, Absa’s commitment extends to the broader community. The Absa Karkloof Country Club where the training camp will be hosted, has become a vital hub for community upliftment. Absa took on its naming rights in 2024. Through infrastructure upgrades, trail refurbishments and new facilities, the club now stands as a testament to Absa’s commitment to empowering local communities and supporting the sport of mountain biking. In addition to fostering camaraderie among riders, the training camp benefits local businesses, schools and farmers, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the Karkloof region.

At the heart of the camp’s philosophy is a commitment to being an active force for good. Absa’s support extends to initiatives such as the Yarrow Intermediate School where efforts include transforming a stationary bus into a fully operational library that accommodates 60 learners, refurbishing classrooms, providing essential school equipment and partnering with medical professionals to address sight and hearing challenges among learners. These initiatives are part of Absa’s broader mission to empower Africa’s future by fostering both literacy and inclusivity one legacy project at a time.

Our partnership with ILoveBoobies has also proven to be a powerful force for good in the community. During our 2024 training camp, we joined forces to provide over 1 000 free breast examinations to Karkloof locals. Since its inception in 2017, ILoveBoobies has screened nearly 10 000 women, 1 376 of whom were screened in 2024. The reach continues to grow, now also extending to the Western Cape and Gauteng. This initiative further highlights our unwavering commitment to driving meaningful change in the communities we serve.

Absa is excited to witness the continued growth of the #SheUntamed programme and will announce the final selection of teams for the ultimate challenge, the Absa Cape Epic, in early February 2025. “We wish our 12 for 21 teams the best of luck as they prepare for the race,” adds Venter. “We look forward to seeing their journey unfold as they embody the true spirit of resilience and collaboration. Our stories go further when we write them together.”