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Drakenstein Municipality expects the return of the Absa Cape Epic in March 2027 to generate tourism and economic opportunities for local businesses, with Wellington set to host the final three days of the international mountain bike race.<\/p>\n
The race will take place from 26 to 28 March 2027, bringing hundreds of international and local riders, support crews, media representatives, and spectators to the Paarl-Wellington area.<\/p>\n
The route enters Drakenstein during Stage 5, from Tulbagh to Wellington, before the Queen Stage and final stage conclude at Imbuko Wines.<\/p>\n
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Councillor Laurichia van Niekerk, mayoral committee member for tourism, sport, and recreation, says the event creates opportunities across the tourism value chain, benefiting accommodation providers, restaurants, tourism operators, and other local businesses.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Absa Cape Epic attracts high-value visitors from around the world and creates opportunities across the tourism value chain,\u201d says Van Niekerk.<\/p>\n
The municipality is banking on the event\u2019s international reach to attract visitors and generate spending across the local tourism industry, including accommodation establishments, restaurants, wine farms, tourism operators, and outdoor recreation businesses.<\/p>\n
The 2025 event summary shows that 53% of the 1 300 participating riders were international visitors, mainly from Europe, the US, Brazil and England. Of these, 14% were visiting South Africa for the first time, while 75% of international participants extended their stay by an additional five days to tour the country.<\/p>\n
Councillor Stephen Korabie, executive mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, says the event provides an opportunity to showcase the region internationally while creating economic opportunities for local businesses and communities.<\/p>\n
The municipality previously hosted several stages of the 2025 race, predominantly in Paarl.<\/p>\n
Its international exposure also extends beyond the physical event. During the 2025 edition, the Absa Cape Epic\u2019s dedicated YouTube live feed attracted 1 205 530 views, while Facebook recorded another 279 769 views. Viewers spent an average of 28 minutes watching the live action.<\/p>\n
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Cheryl Phillips, senior manager of Economic Development and Tourism at the municipality, says the exposure also gives Paarl-Wellington an opportunity to attract visitors beyond the race period, supporting longer-term tourism growth.<\/p>\n
With preparations under way, the municipality says it will work with event organisers, tourism stakeholders and local communities ahead of the 2027 race.<\/p>\n
*Phenyo Selinda is a Moneyweb intern.<\/p>\n
#Drakenstein #eyes #tourism #boost #Absa #Cape #Epic #returns<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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