The good times continue with Cape to Cape back for 16th edition

The Cape to Cape Mountain Bike race continues in 2024, with the 16th edition of Australia's largest and most popular four-day Mountain Bike stage race set to be the biggest yet.

Based in Margaret River in Western Australia's picturesque South West region, the Cape to Cape experience includes access to stunning private trails, vineyards, brewery finishes and some of the warmest hospitality the region has to offer.

With approximately 200km and 2,500m of climbing across the four stages, each day's riding is between 34km and 59km and has its own special terrain and environment to keep things interesting.

A mix of fast flowing single trail, farm tracks, groomed downhill trails and fire trails offers something for riders of all abilities. Many of the trials go through private land that can only be experienced while completing the Cape to Cape.

Starting in Cape Leeuwin and finishing four days later at Cape Naturaliste, the 2024 race includes three fan favourite stages and a brand new stage will excite the field with a new challenge.

Racing begins with the most iconic start line in Australian MTB racing, as riders roll out from Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. From there the peloton will thunder up Skippy Rock Road and before dropping into a mix of single trail, fire road and gravel punctuated by rolling hills and a few steep, sharp climbs.

A new stage two will see seasoned Cape to Cape riders and first timers head to the pristine Tank 7 Mountain Bike Park in Nannup in a Cape to Cape first. The rough, raw, and rocky experience suits the more experienced and adventurous riders to beginners, in what is sure to be a stage to remember.

It would not be Cape to Cape without the fan favourite stage three, which includes the famous Compartment 10 and the Pines trails near Margaret River. Starting and finishing at CBCo Brewing, the field will experience MTB heaven with berms, rollovers, and machine smooth compacted trail beneath their tyres. And enjoy perfect hospitality next to the lake at the finish.

After three stages, some of the best trails have been saved for last as the race heads to Cape Naturaliste and Wise Winery for the final day. Covering trails in Eagle Bay and Dunsborough the field will zig zag their way towards the finishing arch where riders can call themselves Cape to Cape finishers.

The 2024 edition will be the first under new ownership, with the event returning to Western Australian hands with Perth event management company EventMatrix Pty Ltd, and an experienced team lead by Directors, Bill Hayes and Megan Grygorcewicz.

“Cape to Cape has a legacy of 15 years and we are excited to be the new owners of this iconic event and look forward to continuing to grow and enhance the rider experience,” said Grygorcewicz.

“We are keeping everything that has made Cape to Cape great, and on listening to feedback we have introduced a new stage in Nannup, which will provide a new challenge for both returning riders and new starters.

“With kilometres of exclusive trails across private land only accessible during Cape to Cape, it is an experience not to be missed.”

Cape to Cape makes it as easy as possible to focus on the racing and social experience with mechanical support, bike checks, bike wash, bag and bottle drop and collection available to let you focus on what riders enjoy most.

Riders will be able to tackle the four stage race as individuals or in pairs, as well as a newly introduced eMTB category.

“For the first time, eMTBs are joining the adventure at Cape to Cape, with the new category running as a separate race. Our eMTB riders will still explore the same trails, and we’re really excited to be opening up the sport to new participants in the beautiful South West. Spots are limited for 2024, so we would encourage riders to sign up now to not miss out,” said Hayes.

The Cape to Cape experience is more than just riding with, outstanding Western Australian hospitality on hand at the Race Village at each stage including CBCo and Wise Winery.

Competing at the 2024 edition has never been easier with travel and accommodation packages available through TravelManagers, allowing riders to focus on the race. Direct flights to Busselton from Sydney and Melbourne make arriving in Western Australia’s South West even quicker.