Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) returns as sponsor of the Absa Cape Epic for the fourth consecutive year, standing alongside Absa, which celebrates 20 years as title sponsor of the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race.
From 15 to 22 March 2026, elite riders and passionate amateurs will face eight days of brutal climbs, technical descents and unforgiving terrain in South Africa’s Western Cape.
A defining feature of the event remains the Toyota Tough sections, designed to challenge even the strongest riders and often decisive in shaping stage outcomes. Toyota’s support fleet, led by the Land Cruiser Prado, will traverse remote passes and rugged trails to ensure the race runs seamlessly, while also showcasing the vehicle’s legendary off-road capability.
At the centre of Toyota’s presence are its riders. The Toyota Specialized Inbuko team features three-time champion Matt Beers alongside Tristan Nortje, while Marco Joubert and Travis Stedman form a second experienced pairing with several other riders in Toyota colours.
In the women’s field, Candice Lill, backed by Rola Toyota, partners Swiss world champion Alessandra Keller in the Thömus Maxon Sabi-Sabi team. The Toyota Gazoo Racing mixed team of Sarah Maré (Hill) and Riaan Weideman will aim for podium success, with Toyota once again sponsoring the mixed category and its green leader jersey.
Absa’s role extends beyond sponsorship. For two decades, the bank has been integral to the race’s identity and continues to field Team Absa, whose riders train intensively for the event and embody the values of resilience and teamwork that define the Cape Epic.
As Glenn Crompton, Vice President: Marketing at TSAM, explains: “Our continued partnership with the Absa Cape Epic reflects Toyota’s belief in pushing boundaries and embracing challenges. For the fourth year running, Toyota is proud to support a race that demands the very best from riders and vehicles alike.”
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Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
