Cape Town - Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) proudly concludes another successful year as the Absa Cape Epic’s Official Vehicle and Route Partner. From 15 to 22 March, TSAM played an integral role in delivering a world-class experience both on and off the trails, while celebrating exceptional performances by the Toyota-backed riders.

Driving the Epic Experience

Toyota’s partnership in the race ensured the seamless execution of this globally renowned event. As the Official Vehicle Partner, Toyota provided a fleet that supported race operations, logistics and technical teams across challenging terrain.

As Official Route Partner, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado once again proved its capability, transporting guests on exclusive Luxury Route Tours to remote and rugged vantage points, offering unforgettable access to the race’s most dramatic moments.

Toyota also continued its sponsorship of the Mixed category, awarding the iconic green jersey to the leading male-and-female teams throughout the race. In addition, the daily Toyota Tough Sections tested riders across some of the most demanding segments of the route, reinforcing Toyota’s association with durability and resilience.

Commenting on the partnership, Glenn Crompton, Vice President Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors said: “The Absa Cape Epic continues to be a powerful platform that reflects the spirit of the Toyota brand - toughness, endurance and the drive to push beyond limits. We are incredibly proud of how this partnership showcases the capability of our vehicles while connecting authentically with a community that values performance and resilience.”

Historic Victory for Toyota-Backed Riders

The 2026 edition will be remembered as a milestone for South African cycling, led by a historic triumph from the Toyota Specialized Imbuko team of Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje. In a defining moment of the race, Beers and Nortje claimed overall victory in the Elite Men’s category, becoming the first all South African team in 22 years to win the title in the event’s history.

Despite facing mechanical and physical challenges during the week, the duo consistently remained in contention. Their perseverance paid off as they secured the overall win by just over one minute, an exceptionally narrow margin in a race of this magnitude.

Backed by Rola Toyota and Toyota South Africa Motors, Candice Lill delivered one of the most commanding performances in recent Absa Cape Epic history. Racing in the Elite Women’s category alongside Alessandra Keller as part of the Thömus Maxon Sabi-Sabi team, she stood on the podium every single day of the race, claiming first place in 7 of the 8 stages. This dominant display not only secured the overall title but also reinforced her position as one of the leading figures in women’s mountain biking globally.

Marco Joubert and Travis Stedman of Toyota Specialized Imbuko delivered a consistently strong performance to finish 6th overall in a highly competitive Elite Men’s field. Their race was characterised by steady pacing and tactical awareness, allowing them to remain within the top tier throughout the week. A standout highlight came on Stage 7, where the pair surged to an impressive second-place finish on the day.

Also donning their Toyota Specialized Imbuko jerseys, Jaedon Terlouw and Lood Goosen demonstrated their growth on the international stage, finishing 17th overall. Competing in one of the toughest editions of the race, the duo gained valuable experience while maintaining consistency across stages.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing team of Sarah Maré & Riaan Weideman delivered a strong performance throughout the race, however, withdrew at the end of Stage 4 due to Sarah’s health concerns. Maré, who had been battling illness, showed courage until the end and we wish her a quick recovery. Their withdrawal underscores the extreme physical demands of the Absa Cape Epic and highlights the importance of athlete wellbeing.

Toyota South Africa Motors will award all Toyota sponsored riders that crossed the finish line R50,000 following their standout performance; a fitting reward for riders who conquered one of the toughest races on the global calendar.

“This year’s race was a true testament to what can be achieved through determination, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence. We extend our warmest congratulations to all Toyota partnered riders for their remarkable achievements, especially our historic champions. Their grit and heart on the trails embody everything Toyota stands for,” concluded Crompton.

A Partnership Built on Endurance

Toyota South Africa Motors’ partnership with the Absa Cape Epic, secured through to 2028, continues to play a vital role in shaping the success and growth of the event. By supporting athletes, enabling world-class logistics and enhancing spectator experiences, Toyota remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, both on and off the trail.

For more information on Toyota’s brand partnerships, please visit Toyota Community Sponsorships | Toyota South Africa.