Absa Launches #SheUntamed Initiative

In the lead up to the 17th edition of the Absa Cape Epic, Africa’s Mountain Biking (MTB) Race, Absa continues to entrench its purpose of bringing possibilities to life by launching the Absa #SheUntamed initiative.

Absa will use the platform to encourage more female participation in one of the toughest MTB races in the world as well as cycling in general. The bank aims to offer greater opportunities for women who are living an active lifestyle, are passionate about cycling and are ready to take on the challenge of MTB racing.

Absa Group Media Relations Manager, Carli Cooke, who will be taking part in her first full Absa Cape Epic race, says she is looking forward to being part of a movement that seeks to make the Absa Cape Epic more inclusive.

“We have had a long and fruitful partnership with the Absa Cape Epic, and we are always looking at avenues to help give more riders the opportunity to experience this life-changing MTB challenge. We trust that all who participate will believe, like we do, in bringing possibilities to life as we explore the adventures of MTB races.”

Well-Known Adventurers Join the Event

As part of the Epic Trippers programme, the Absa Cape Epic will, for the first time in the event’s history, dedicate a session of the 2020 Epic Trippers programme exclusively to female cyclists. The programme will provide a select group of participants the opportunity to experience the Absa Cape Epic from a unique perspective. It allows riders to explore areas that the main race visits, while enjoying some of the country’s best trails.

In the lead up to the Absa Cape Epic, Absa has partnered with well-known adventurers, Letshego Zulu, Nicole Capper and Phathokuhle Zondi to amplify the #SheUntamed movement in their respective communities. They will participate in the 45-strong women’s-only Epic Trippers session.

Social rider Nicole Capper, who will be taking part for the first time, says she is looking forward to a memorable experience. “Being part of the Absa Cape Epic presents another opportunity for me to test my endurance against the most formidable opponent; the great outdoors,” says Capper.

Zulu echoes the same sentiments and says she looks forward to riding with other women at the session. “Having previously competed in two full Absa Cape Epic races, I have an emotional connection to the race, and I am excited to unleash my passion for cycling with other #SheUntamed women,” she says.

Female MTB enthusiasts who are up for the challenge can win a place for themselves and a partner in the women’s-only Epic Trippers session by sharing their #SheUntamed moments on social media.

For more information about the Absa Cape Epic and the Absa #SheUntamed movement follow @AbsaSouthAfrica, and the #SheUntamed on major social media platforms.

Photo 1 Caption: Cyclist and well-known adventurer, Letshego Zulu. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Former Mrs South Africa, Nicole Capper. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 Caption: CEO of the Sport Science Institute of South Africa, Phathokuhle Zondi. Photo: Supplied

With editing by gsport