​Stellenbosch University (SU) is hosting the Absa Cape Epic, the biggest full-service mountain bike stage race in the world, this weekend in a race village specially set up on the Coetzenburg sports grounds.

“Fundraising to help students is a proud Matie tradition with staff members keen to get involved. I want to give a shout-out to Robert van Staden from our Faculty of Education and Francois Swart from Facilities Management who are currently riding the Absa Cape Epic," says Stellenbosch University's Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers.

“I do the Cape Town Cycle Tour every year with colleagues, students, alumni, and friends. This year, I must admit, I suffered a bit! But it is a fun-ride compared to the Epic. Robert and Francois are riding this race of 657 km over 8 days, climbing 16 900 metres in the process. It is gruelling, but they are doing it for a good cause: #move4food, SU's campaign to raise funds to improve food security for our students.

“Please consider donating to this worthy cause at https://www.givengain.com/ap/francois-robert/.

“I am happy to say that Stellenbosch University hosts the Cape Epic from Friday, 25 March to Sunday, 27 March 2022, at our beautiful Coetzenburg grounds. So Maties, let's come out in our numbers, wearing maroon, to show our support and pride," says Prof de Villiers.

The riders will be arriving at Coetzenburg Friday afternoon, depart from there on Saturday morning, return again in the afternoon, and set off on the final stage of the race on Sunday morning.

To follow the race, go to www.cape-epic.com. You can also download the Epic Series app in the Appstore and track Francois and Robert on their race to the end on Sunday at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl.