GEORGE NEWS - Matt Beers, formerly of Knysna, and former Kwagga Tristan Nortje have made history at the world's biggest mountain biking stage race, the 2026 Absa Cape Epic.
These two riders of Team Toyota Specialized Imbuko became the first all-African UCI men's team to win an Absa Cape Epic at last Sunday's grand finale, following a drama-filled final stage into Coetzenburg.
Cheered on by a huge Stellenbosch crowd at spectator points along the entire stage, and trailing by 13 seconds behind overnight leaders Luca Braidot and Simone Avondetto, the South Africans finished third on the day, behind stage winners Sam Gaze and Luca Schwarzbauer, but more importantly ahead of the Italians with enough time in hand to grab the overall win.
Beers is known for his hugely powerful riding output, and on the final stage, he launched a decisive attack within the opening 10km, Nortje focusing on hanging onto his rear wheel.
Their race was nearly derailed just after halfway when Nortje clipped his pedal on a tree shortly after exiting Jonkershoek. He went over the bars and fell heavily on his right side, cutting his right elbow and bruising his right leg.
"I knew it was a big crash," Nortje said. "I hurt my elbow quite badly and my right leg hit a rock. It was just dead and numb after that, and I couldn't really pedal properly any more."
Nortje soldiered on, helped by Beers.
"Today was for everyone who supported me," he said as tears welled up on the finish line.
"There are so many sacrifices behind this Epic. We had so much bad luck, but we've had good legs this whole week, and we had to chase back so many times, and never gave up."
The 24-year-old paid tribute to his Toyota Specialized Imbuko teammates, Marco Joubert and Travis Stedman, who were always in close attendance, encouraging and setting the pace up front when they could.
He added that the success was the result of the entire group, including mechanics, the chef, management, the massage therapist and media team. "You cannot win the Cape Epic alone, there are just so many people behind the scenes."
Tristan Nortje and Matt Beers after crossing the finish line. Photo: Nick Muzik/Cape Epic
This George-born talent has long been hailed as the future of the sport, and this first overall win cements his status as a world-class elite rider.
For big Beers it was win number four, and it was a first win for the young former Outeniqua High School learner, Nortje.
While South African legends like the late Burry Stander and Beers himself have won the Untamed African MTB Race before, they had always done so alongside international partners.
This victory makes a turning point for local mountain biking, proving that a home-grown duo can conquer the world's most prestigious stage race.
Another George local to shine was Cronje Beukes, the 21-year-old nephew of former Absa African Jersey winner Matthys Beukes, who grabbed a sensational second place overall in the open men's category, racing for ASAP Cycling. Racing alongside teammate Jean-Pierre du Plessis, the pair finished 27th overall.
Watch this space, and remember the name Cronje Beukes for the future!
The Garden Route is continuing to provide world-class talent.
In the women's elite race, South Africa's Candice Lill finally won her first title. This popular local rider crossed the line in Coetzenburg to a rousing welcome with Switzerland's Alessandra Keller, winning seven out of eight stages.
Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje during the final stage of the 2026 Absa Cape Epic. Photo: Nick Muzik/Cape Epic.
Cronje Beukes with his teammate Jean-Pierre du Plessis after finishing their race. Photo: Lukas Ittenbach/Cape Epic‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
