Johannesburg – Following the 21st edition of the world’s pinnacle mountain bike race, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) proudly announces the renewal of the Absa Cape Epic sponsorship for another 3 years. The sponsorship renewal solidifies TSAM’s commitment to the endurance, passion, and prestige that define the Absa Cape Epic.
Glenn Crompton, Vice President for Marketing at TSAM said, “The Absa Cape Epic’s legendary and demanding routes through the Western Cape perfectly reflect Toyota’s passion for off-road adventure. We’re proud to uphold our commitment to excellence in every facet of this extraordinary event and continue our sponsorship as the official vehicle and route partner.”
Driving the experience – the official vehicle partner
As the Official Vehicle Partner, TSAM has played a pivotal role in supporting all stakeholders and ensuring a seamless experience for the event's staff, crew, and participants. From transporting vital race officials to providing logistical support along the gruelling route, TSAM’s fleet has been instrumental in making the Absa Cape Epic a resounding success.
Jonathan Meintjes, Global Director of the Epic Series, commented: “We are incredibly proud to continue our journey with Toyota South Africa - a partner whose values so naturally align with the spirit of the Absa Cape Epic. From the rugged support on-course to elevating the spectator and rider experience, Toyota’s unwavering commitment over the past three years has added immense value to our event. This renewed partnership through to 2028 is a powerful endorsement of the Epic Series, and we look forward to continuing to innovate, challenge limits, and inspire together.”
Taking Luxury Route Tours to new heights
TSAM also remains the official route partner, providing vehicles for the exclusive Absa Cape Epic Luxury Route Tours. These curated experiences transport guests in the iconic Toyota Land Cruisers to remote and breathtaking locations along the race route, bringing them within touching distance of the world’s top professional mountain bikers, as well as the most dedicated and tough amateur riders.
Championing equality – Toyota Mixed Category
TSAM’s commitment to inclusivity and teamwork shines through its sponsorship of the Toyota Mixed category. This dynamic category pairs men and women in the ultimate test of endurance and synergy. Competitors in this division proudly don the green category leader Ciovita jersey, emblazoned with Toyota’s branding and reinforcing the brand’s deep connection with the event and its athletes.
Conquering the toughest terrain – Toyota Tough Sections
Each stage of the race presents its own set of gruelling challenges, but none more so than the Toyota Tough Sections – branded stretches of the course that test riders to their absolute limits. These iconic sections have become synonymous with the grit, strength, and determination required to tackle the Absa Cape Epic.
An unforgettable spectator experience – Toyota Urban Trax
For those spectating, the Toyota Urban Trax provides an engaging, hands-on experience, where spectators get the chance to jump into 4x4 Toyota vehicles and witness firsthand the off-road capabilities that make Toyota a trusted partner for extreme adventure.
Celebrating champions
TSAM-backed teams have delivered outstanding performances throughout the race for the last 3 years.
Matt Beers, from Toyota Specialized, has become a household name in the world of mountain biking, having secured 3 Overall wins in his 9 years of competing at the Absa Cape Epic.
TSAM are also proud to have played a part in raising funds for the Songo.info cycling and education charity through our partnership with Specialized; with the likes of the Toyota Development and Songo | Kolisi Foundation teams taking part in this tough race.
This year saw two teams take second place in the race for the prestigious Absa African jerseys, namely Johan van Zyl and Travis Stedman of the Toyota Specialized men’s team, and Cherise Willeit and Ila Stow of the Songo | Kolisi Foundation team.
The Toyota Specialized Women’s team have proved to be an incredible partnership, taking 3rd place last year, and more recently, Annika Langvad and Sofia Gomez Villafane powered their way to a well-earned 1st place in the Aramex UCI Women’s category of 2025.
Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Samantha Sanders and Riaan Weideman showcased remarkable determination in 2025 to secure 2nd place overall in the Toyota Mixed Category, making this their 3rd podium finish in 3 years.
Looking Ahead
With the renewal of TSAM’s sponsorship for another 3 years, the journey is far from over. TSAM remains committed to pushing boundaries and supporting the riders, organisers, and fans who make the Absa Cape Epic the world-renowned event it is today. Here’s to more adventure, more triumphs, and more Epic moments in the years to come.
For more information on Toyota’s brand partnerships, please visit Toyota Community Sponsorships | Toyota South Africa.
