Wellington rider helps secure landmark victory in gruelling mountain bike stage race
South African cycling has a fresh reason to celebrate after Tristan Nortjé and Matthew Beers etched their names into the record books as the first homegrown duo to claim the elite category title at the Absa Cape Epic. Riding under the Toyota Specialized Imbuko banner, the pair crossed the finish line with a combined time of 26:55:51, edging out Italian pair Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto by a margin of just 1:04 minutes.
For the 24-year-old Nortjé, a Wellington resident, the triumph represents the crowning moment of a blossoming career on two wheels. The young rider acknowledged the sheer difficulty of the event but insisted he was ready to seize the opportunity when it presented itself.
"The Epic is the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world. It is not easy. However, this year I had a good chance to win and I eagerly grabbed this opportunity with both hands," he told media.
The road to glory was anything but smooth for the pair. Nortjé took a heavy fall during the arrow section of the race, injuring his right leg and elbow in the process. Yet the setback barely slowed him down. Buoyed by the encouragement of his more seasoned partner Beers, Nortjé pushed through the pain to help deliver a result that will be remembered for years to come. He singled out the sixth stage as particularly brutal, describing it as his most punishing day individually, though one where the team clawed back valuable time on the overall standings.
A former schoolboy all-rounder turned cycling champion
Nortjé, a former pupil at Outeniqua High School in George, was no stranger to competitive sport before dedicating himself to cycling. He tried his hand at athletics, tennis, rugby and cricket before the call of the saddle eventually won out. His deep appreciation for the unique demands of the Cape Epic was evident as he reflected on what it takes to survive eight consecutive days of relentless riding.
"It's a unique challenge with the terrain, the weather and the eight days of just getting up and riding like there's no next day. It's actually incredible what one's body and mindset can do. The Epic is something every cyclist wants to win."
Nortjé was full of praise for Beers, whose experience and raw power proved instrumental throughout the race. He described his teammate as the strongest cyclist he knows, noting their established partnership and previous victories together made the collaboration feel natural and rewarding. Beers' ability to lift spirits — including his now-famous singing during stages — added a lighter dimension to an otherwise gruelling contest.
With the dust barely settled on their historic achievement, Nortjé joked that he had always promised himself he would hang up his cleats if he ever conquered the Epic, precisely because the dream once felt so far-fetched. Now that reality has overtaken ambition, however, retirement appears to be the furthest thing from his mind.
"I'm just going to enjoy the moment and rest a bit before chasing my next dreams."
As for whether the victorious partnership will return to defend their crown next year, Nortjé kept his cards close to his chest, saying only that the decision would rest with the team. One thing is certain: South African mountain biking has found a new hero in the young man from Wellington.
South African mountain biking has long been dominated by international competitors at the Cape Epic, so a homegrown victory carries significant weight for the local cycling community and sporting industry. This achievement could boost sponsorship interest in South African riders, increase participation in competitive cycling, and strengthen the country's reputation as a world-class mountain biking destination. With growing talent emerging from local programmes, future editions of the race may see more competitive South African entries challenging for top honours.
