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The Absa Cape Epic, the most anticipated mountain bike race globally, kicks off on 17 October 2021. Women-led duo Beauty Ngobese and Remofilwe Moeketsi, riding in the Exxaro special jersey competition, have prepared intensely to conquer this demanding mountain bike race.
Born and raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal, Beauty recently won the gold medal at the Barberton Ultramarathon. Additionally, this dedicated athlete successfully pedalled away with bronze medals at the SA National Road & Gauteng Provincial Road Championships.
Moreover, Beauty says she wants to inspire more women and children to join the sport, especially those from previously disadvantaged communities. “The Absa Cape Epic brings together three things that I dedicate myself to endurance cycling, exploring South Africa’s toughest terrain, and my love of adventure. I couldn’t be more thankful to STADIO for sponsoring both Remofilwe and I to participate in this year’s race.”
Reflecting on her sporting career, Beauty explains that she began cycling in 2017. “Already working for a couple of years, I was keen to explore Johannesburg. I came across a flyer for a Joburg inner city ride on a fixie (single speed). I was captivated by how one got to experience inner-city differently. My love for cycling was ignited.”
Instantly enthralled by the sport, Beauty fully submerged herself in cycling. However, she admits it has not always been an easy ride. She states her MTB first stage, the Absa Cape Epic 2019, were the most challenging cycling challenge she has faced to date. “I was in a mixed team. It was really life-changing for me. I found a new level of appreciation for the sport and fellow riders.”
Looking at the upcoming event, Beauty says she hopes to represent women in the various South African communities and show what they are capable of. She adds, “But mainly to inspire the ladies to take on the sport. It’s honestly a dream come true this year, as I will be taking on the prestigious event with Remofilwe. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner as we share a great love and passion for mountain biking.”
Beauty Ngobese 
Remofilwe Moeketsi
Race partner, Remofilwe Moeketsi, from Pampierstad in the Northern Cape, a former professional netball player who now works in IT, adds, “I have always been athletic and on the adventurous side of things. I was craving something new and exciting, so in 2018 I started mountain-biking and set out my first goal to finish the 94.7 Ride Joburg, which I achieved, and since then have never looked back.”
Remofilwe affirms that she has come a far way since embarking on her first challenge, stating that when she started, she bought a mountain bike (back then, the difference between a road bike and mountain bike was beyond her) and joined a 60km Proud Beginners ride.
Soaking in the thrilling cycling world and rising to the challenge has taken comprehensive determination and training. To date, the most formidable challenge has been the ABSA Cape Epic, as stated by Remofilwe.
With her sights set on the upcoming Absa Cape Epic, Remofilwe says she hopes to inspire others and enjoy the beautiful cape trails.
As Beauty and Remofilwe prepare for their quest to conquer the Absa Cape Epic, their sponsor, STADIO, has offered the winners of the Exxaro Special Jersey Race at the Absa Cape Epic a life-changing prize:
Access to one of more than 20 Distance Learning tertiary qualifications, from higher certificates and diplomas to degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
Wynand de Villiers, Marketing & Student Recruitment Manager: Distance Learning, adds, “STADIO identifies very closely with the objectives of the Exxaro Special Jersey Race, and we’re honoured to partner with Beauty and Remofilwe, who come from the Curro’s Cycle2Ride project. We believe we hold similar values and synergies, and we embrace this duo trajectory of excellence.”
Furthermore, he highlights, “Preparing for such a prestigious MTB event is similar to studying towards a qualification. Both need strong mental capacity, responsibility, and commitment towards a goal. We wish our team a strong finish!” adds Wynand de Villiers, Marketing & Student Recruitment Manager: Distance Learning.
The team will tackle the Untamed African MTB Race for the first time and receive full support, including post-stage massages, bike servicing, and access to the Absa tent courtesy of the event’s title sponsor, Absa.
Tune in to the Live Broadcast of the 2021 Absa Cape Epic, from 17-24 October 2021 to follow the Untamed Action and see how the Exxaro Special Jersey race unfolds on the trails of the Western Cape.
The Newcastillian – Online News wished Beauty Ngobese and Remofilwe Moeketsi all the best for the Absa Cape Epic on 17 October 2021.
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