Absa Cape Epic 2023 Last Lioness applauds Absa for the impact of #SheUntamed
Absa Cape Epic (ACE), Africa’s Untamed Mountain Biking Race 2023
South Africa, 09 March 2023: In the lead-up to the Absa Cape Epic (ACE), Africa’s Untamed Mountain Biking Race and the premier mountain bike stage race in the world, the 19th edition of the Absa Cape Epic (from 19 to 26 March 2023) will take in 658 gruelling kilometres, with 15 775 metres of limit-testing climbing through its eight days of racing that are unlike any edition before it. The 2023 Absa Cape Epic promises to stretch every team almost to their breaking point, to trial partnerships both old and new, and to reward those resolute enough to overcome its demands with spots in the Book of Legend.
A little more than two years ago, the proudly African bank, Absa, announced its commitment to growing the #SheUntamed initiative, a programme designed to improve women’s access to the sport of mountain biking through women’s increased participation in the Team Absa line-up. This is one of several initiatives created to drive transformation, diversity and inclusion and, in turn, is part of Absa’s ambition to be an active force for good in everything that they do.
Absa has played a pivotal role in the growth of the #SheUntamed initiative by empowering women in the field of cycling, and with a particular focus on 2022/2023, Absa has stepped up. In the lead-up to the 2023 event, Absa is shifting gears and committing to not only have 20% of the Team Absa line-up be all-women riders who will participate in the Absa Cape Epic, but is also dedicating a session of the Epic Trippers to women riders for the second year. Epic Tippers is a hugely popular, active spectator programme that allows a select group of participants to experience the Absa Cape Epic and enjoy world-class hospitality while riding their bikes and cheering on the world’s best mountain bikers and fellow avid amateurs.
Team Absa’s current line-up includes the Last Lioness, Hannele Steyn, the only female rider who has completed every edition of the race and is excited and prepared to take on the eight-day gruelling mountain bike event for the 19th time.
Hannele Steyn
"I am thrilled to take on this year's Absa Cape Epic. It has been a long journey preparing for the event. I have taken part in the Absa Cape Epic 18 times, but I still prepare for the race physically and mentally because of the demand that cycling has on the body," said Steyn.
The Last Lioness has been part of the Absa #SheUntamed initiative for the past two years and she is proud of the work that Absa has done to shift the face of cycling through #SheUntamed and assisting women riders in their journeys.
"Being part of a greater cause is amazing and to give back with a company like Absa behind me, makes it so much easier and more rewarding. I have been receiving a lot of messages from people wanting to know more about the initiative and to be part of it,” she continued. “Women from all over are applauding it. Additionally, it has assisted us with everything that we need to know when preparing for the Absa Cape Epic – from fitness and skills, to the race itself."
Hannele says that there has been a huge difference at the Absa Cape Epic ever since Absa came on board as a sponsor. “This prestigious race is not the same since Absa came on board as a sponsor. It is now not only a mountain bike race – it has become known for much more. People who have never cycled are inspired. Other corporates are inspired to become part of the race and the initiatives led by Absa. It has become more PROUDLY SA,” she concluded.
Hannele Steyn The Last Lioness
Tina Venter, Head of Corporate Affairs, Absa Group Limited, says "#SheUntamed is more than just a sponsorship for Absa, this initiative was created to support women who are passionate about mountain biking and improve their access to the sport. Furthermore, it serves as a platform to encourage more female participation in the sport of mountain biking and cycling in general."
#SheUntamed is an Absa initiative for women in cycling.
The 2023 Absa Cape Epic will take place from 19 to 26 March 2023.
Absa Cape Epic (ACE), Africa’s Untamed Mountain Biking Race 2023
South Africa, 09 March 2023: In the lead-up to the Absa Cape Epic (ACE), Africa’s Untamed Mountain Biking Race and the premier mountain bike stage race in the world, the 19th edition of the Absa Cape Epic (from 19 to 26 March 2023) will take in 658 gruelling kilometres, with 15 775 metres of limit-testing climbing through its eight days of racing that are unlike any edition before it. The 2023 Absa Cape Epic promises to stretch every team almost to their breaking point, to trial partnerships both old and new, and to reward those resolute enough to overcome its demands with spots in the Book of Legend.
A little more than two years ago, the proudly African bank, Absa, announced its commitment to growing the #SheUntamed initiative, a programme designed to improve women’s access to the sport of mountain biking through women’s increased participation in the Team Absa line-up. This is one of several initiatives created to drive transformation, diversity and inclusion and, in turn, is part of Absa’s ambition to be an active force for good in everything that they do.
Absa has played a pivotal role in the growth of the #SheUntamed initiative by empowering women in the field of cycling, and with a particular focus on 2022/2023, Absa has stepped up. In the lead-up to the 2023 event, Absa is shifting gears and committing to not only have 20% of the Team Absa line-up be all-women riders who will participate in the Absa Cape Epic, but is also dedicating a session of the Epic Trippers to women riders for the second year. Epic Tippers is a hugely popular, active spectator programme that allows a select group of participants to experience the Absa Cape Epic and enjoy world-class hospitality while riding their bikes and cheering on the world’s best mountain bikers and fellow avid amateurs.
Team Absa’s current line-up includes the Last Lioness, Hannele Steyn, the only female rider who has completed every edition of the race and is excited and prepared to take on the eight-day gruelling mountain bike event for the 19th time.
Hannele Steyn
"I am thrilled to take on this year's Absa Cape Epic. It has been a long journey preparing for the event. I have taken part in the Absa Cape Epic 18 times, but I still prepare for the race physically and mentally because of the demand that cycling has on the body," said Steyn.
The Last Lioness has been part of the Absa #SheUntamed initiative for the past two years and she is proud of the work that Absa has done to shift the face of cycling through #SheUntamed and assisting women riders in their journeys.
"Being part of a greater cause is amazing and to give back with a company like Absa behind me, makes it so much easier and more rewarding. I have been receiving a lot of messages from people wanting to know more about the initiative and to be part of it,” she continued. “Women from all over are applauding it. Additionally, it has assisted us with everything that we need to know when preparing for the Absa Cape Epic – from fitness and skills, to the race itself."
Hannele says that there has been a huge difference at the Absa Cape Epic ever since Absa came on board as a sponsor. “This prestigious race is not the same since Absa came on board as a sponsor. It is now not only a mountain bike race – it has become known for much more. People who have never cycled are inspired. Other corporates are inspired to become part of the race and the initiatives led by Absa. It has become more PROUDLY SA,” she concluded.
Hannele Steyn The Last Lioness
Tina Venter, Head of Corporate Affairs, Absa Group Limited, says "#SheUntamed is more than just a sponsorship for Absa, this initiative was created to support women who are passionate about mountain biking and improve their access to the sport. Furthermore, it serves as a platform to encourage more female participation in the sport of mountain biking and cycling in general."
#SheUntamed is an Absa initiative for women in cycling.
The 2023 Absa Cape Epic will take place from 19 to 26 March 2023.
