![\"\"](\"https:\/\/xentis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/19510_20260315_114810_642453630_original.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe ABSA Cape Epic is a physically gruelling and mentally demanding mountain bike stage race; it is regarded as one of the toughest in its category and is often referred to as the \u2018Tour de France of mountain biking\u2019. It takes place in South Africa\u2019s Western Cape region, amidst a landscape that is arguably one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Africa.<\/p>\n
Every year, the race follows a different route, taking riders through rough terrain, over rocky climbs and down thrilling technical descents. The race attracts professional and ambitious amateur riders from all over the world, who compete in pairs.<\/p>\n
The two Austrians, Karl Markt and Uwe Hochenwarter (Team Wilier-Chaoyang), tackled what is arguably the world\u2019s toughest mountain bike stage race from 15\u201322 March 2026.<\/p>\n
Stamina, mental strength, peak physical condition and, of course, the best equipment are the ingredients for such a tour! After 8 days, 707 kilometres covered and 15,900 metres of climbing, Charly and Uwe fought their way to a sensational 4th place! Not only is this top-end finish an incredible result for the Austrians, but the two stage wins (Prologue and Stage) are also remarkable!<\/p>\n
The five-spoke XeNTiS MOUNT X CC wheelsets played a lion\u2019s share in this success; subjected to what was probably the toughest endurance test of all time during this race, they mastered it with flying colours!<\/p>\n
Especially for this occasion, Leonie Kresch, who is responsible for the graphics, came up with something very special for the decals: the BIG FIVE adorn Charly and Uwe\u2019s wheels specifically for this adventure!<\/p>\n
The riders are accompanied on the five carbon spokes by lion, rhinoceros, leopard, buffalo and elephant!<\/p>\n
Throughout the race, Uwe Hochenwarter kept everyone on their toes with messages such as \u201cTough race \u2013 top-notch wheels\u201d, \u201cMOUNT X CC is brilliant, everyone\u2019s looking at our rims\u201d, and \u201cThe wheels have passed the endurance test with flying colours \u2013 WORLD-CLASS\u201d!<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m absolutely delighted that our XeNTiS MOUNT X CC performed so well at the Cape Epic under the toughest conditions \u2013 tests like this are almost impossible to simulate. The strong feedback on lateral stiffness, direct power transfer, tracking and durability clearly shows that our development work is paying off in practice and that a monocoque wheel is much more than just a visual highlight off-road,\u201d says Philipp Graf, Head of Development at XeNTiS.<\/p>\n
We at XeNTiS are incredibly proud to be part of this success! An Austrian quality product is conquering the international mountain biking world \u2013 XeNTiS MOUNT X CC \u2013 CAPE EPIC APPROVED!<\/p>\n
#xentis #capeepic #carbonwheels #madeinaustria #mtb<\/p>\n
Fotocredits: Sportograf; XeNTiS<\/p>\n