GIC Partners with the ABSA Cape Epic

GIC named official infrastructure sponsor of Absa Cape Epic

Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) is proud to announce a three-year partnership agreement to serve as the official infrastructure sponsor for the Absa Cape Epic, kicking off with the Wine 2 Whales event in November 2024.

Changing lives, for the better, is a goal shared by both GIC and Absa Cape Epic. GIC creates and manages infrastructure for safe, comfortable living, while Absa Cape Epic inspires and leads towards self-actualisation.

“We’re no stranger to the world of sports, having sponsored several cycling and running events and teams in the past. Our in-house team has even participated in the Absa Cape Epic, and the event has become a favourite for its unmatched landscapes and spirit of adventure,” says Roelof van den Berg, CEO of GIC.

“But we understand that the race is easily the largest and most challenging mountain biking event in the world,
making it a highly complex venture to organise and execute. As a partner, we’re confident that our expertise will significantly benefit its infrastructure for a flawless execution.”

As an added benefit, GIC’s partnership with the prestigious Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch – where it is developing the Blaauwklip-aan-Rivier luxury estate – has seen the estate join as an event sponsor. Established in 1682, Blaauwklippen is the region’s oldest wine estate and a favourite among mountain bikers who enjoy the scenic rides through its vineyards.

Speaking to the partnerships with GIC and Blaauwklippen, Jonathan Meintjes, Head of Mountain Biking EMEA at The IRONMAN Group, the organisers and owners of the Absa Cape Epic race, says: “Working with and alongside such passionate, capable, and innovative partners has allowed us to draw inspiration and harness a diverse array of skills to improve the rider’s experience in the build-up to and during the Absa Cape Epic.”

“GIC’s project management and digital information modelling expertise in particular will help us streamline operations and anticipate where resources will be best deployed. Plus, beyond the logistics, we are very excited by the potential of the partnership with Blaauwklippen Lifestyle Estate.”

South Africa's Leading Infrastructure Developer

GIC is a leading infrastructure developer dedicated to bridging the gap between existing infrastructure and the needs of communities across Africa. Specialising in the design, build, and financing of projects, it creates sustainable value through innovative solutions. Its expertise spans various sectors, including town planning, civil services, structural development, health infrastructure, property management, mining, and roadworks, ensuring comprehensive and impactful development initiatives.

“As a company, GIC has always focused on changing lives through innovative infrastructure development. Partnering with the Absa Cape Epic will allow us to extend that impact into the world of mountain biking. Ultimately, both GIC and the Absa Cape Epic share a commitment to creating lasting, positive change – whether it’s through building essential infrastructure or inspiring people to push their limits on the world’s toughest trails,” notes van den Berg.

This year’s Absa Cape Epic will see reigning champions of the newly crowned GIC Grand Masters jersey, Hanlie Booyens and Michelle Lombardi from Stellenbosch, defend their titles in the women’s category, along with Oliver Imfeld and Thomas Jauner from Switzerland in the men’s. Early indications suggest Olympic Gold Medallist Bart Brentjens may return in 2025, potentially adding another GIC Grand Masters jersey to his haul of four purple jerseys and nine category victories. GIC will also sponsor Craig Uria and Charlie McFall, Adrienne Moolman and Lesleigh Beukes, John Smith and Butch James (Cape Epic), as well as Rayno van Vuuren and Morné Steyn (Cape Epic).

For more information on GIC, visit our official website. Details about the estate sponsor can be found at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, or browse the luxurious homes available at Blaauwklip-aan-Rivier. For further event coverage and updates, visit Absa Cape Epic.

Testimonials

Dear GIC team, thank you for the incredible support and sponsorship over the past six months, especially during the Absa Cape Epic. Your help, from cycling gear and financial backing to logistics and thoughtful touches like the handwritten letters, made a lasting impact. I could focus fully on competing, knowing GIC had my back every step of the way. Your dedication has been instrumental to my preparation and success, and I look forward to continuing our partnership.

It’s been an honour to ride under the GIC umbrella. From kit and gear to race prep, route launches and support camps, we were treated like royalty every step of the way. The handwritten notes, banners, and music at the Cape Epic made us feel like celebrities, and seeing our GIC kit recognised on TV filled me with pride. I’ve done six Epics, even stood on the podium, but I’ve never felt this valued or supported. GIC reignited my racing spirit, and I’m driven to make them proud on and off the podium.

To team GIC, I am writing with a heart full of gratitude to express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support, belief, and generosity. Competing in the Cape Epic was an incredible experience, and achieving such a great result would not have been possible without the encouragement, resources, and motivation you provided. Whether it was the top-tier equipment, race logistics, or simply knowing I had a team behind me, every part of your involvement played a crucial role in our success. Your faith in my and Craig's abilities gave us confidence when we needed it most. This achievement belongs to all of us, and I hope we made you proud.

Firstly, thank you! You were helpful even before we arrived at ACE, and the support during the event made a huge difference. The GIC team was incredible, and the chill zone was a real standout. Brand visibility, logistics, and accommodation were excellent, and conversations in the Absa VIP section generated real interest in the GIC partnership. The kit was great—I received loads of compliments—and I wear the casual gear in my clinical practice too. Michael, thanks for backing me; I’m proud to represent GIC and would love to debrief and build on this momentum.

Thank you—you were extremely helpful and a pleasure to deal with before we even got to the event. The GIC team made a huge impact, and the chill zone was a massive hit. I’m honoured to have represented GIC and would love to debrief and discuss the future.