Out of concern for the health and safety of our riders and other stakeholders, we have no choice but to cancel the 2020 Absa Cape Epic due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, following recent advice from the Western Cape Government.
Mediclinic, the event's medical partner since its inception, providing services to many events in the Western Cape, supports the decision. The decision is also fully supported by most of our sponsors, including our main sponsor Absa.
The event was scheduled to begin on Table Mountain on Sunday, March 15, and end in Paarl on March 22, after traveling to Ceres, Tulbagh and Wellington.
Race founder Kevin Vermaak said:
"I took this step with a heavy heart, but the health and safety of everyone involved in the event must come first," he said. "At 6 p.m. today, we received formal advice from the government."
Kevin asked for patience from all parties involved, who will be contacted directly regarding next steps.
The decision and this drastic measure is nevertheless astonishing in view of the fact that the World Health Organization (WHO) counted a total of 17 cases of patients infected with Corona Virus throughout South Africa on March 13, 2020, and all drivers were already on the scene. It seems that certain governments and authorities are reacting in an almost hysterical and panicked manner to the new virus, even when it has barely broken out. I think this decision is excessive and disproportionate.
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