Absa’s #SheUntamed initiative makes possibilities come to life for women in cycling.

Absa’s recently reignited #SheUntamed has made the possibility of 22 women a reality through its sponsorship of the 18th edition of the 2022 Absa Cape Epic. The 22 brave, passionate and ready women, given the challenge by six well-known ambassadors, adventurers, athletes, businesswomen, mothers, cyclists and the Last Lioness, tested their endurance against the most formidable opponent, the event that measures all.

With a bold goal in mind, Absa aims to shift the face of cycling by entrenching its purpose of bringing possibility to life by reigniting the initiative and gearing women up to break down barriers and just do the extraordinary. Victory is relative. For the Absa #SheUntamed ambassadors and #SheUntamed Epic Tripper women, it meant getting to the starting line, being an inspiration, finding balance and choosing not to be put in a single lane.

As over 1 000 riders geared up to tackle the gruelling eight-day route from 20 to 27 March 2022, one that has been relentless in its pursuit to conquer riders through extreme weather and ruthless climbs that left even the bravest emotional, these 22 #SheUntamed women participated in the inaugural women-only Epic Tripper session.

“Absa’s long-standing association with the Absa Cape Epic has given us the chance to not only facilitate Africa’s Untamed Mountain Biking Race, the premier mountain bike stage race in the world, but to also actively drive positive change in the sport of cycling,” says Absa’s Head of Corporate Affairs Services, Tina Venter. “Absa is humbled by both the six ambassadors and especially the 22 #SheUntamed women in the all-women lead event to celebrate the untamed spirit of women and to start the journey of transforming and improving women’s access to the sport of mountain biking (MTB),” adds Venter.

Baveesha Naran, who took part in the inaugural #SheUntamed Epic Trippers session, said, “It has been a dream to ride the Absa Cape Epic. The Absa training camp, which took place at Karkloof Trails in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this year, was just an appetiser of what to expect at the Absa Cape Epic. After the training camp, I worked on my skills so I could enjoy this opportunity to the fullest. Riding the Absa Cape Epic Trippers with inspirational women around me has been nothing short of priceless. I’m excited to be here and endeavour to prepare to take on the eight days within three years. I’m extremely grateful to Absa for making this tremendous move to support women in the MTB and cycling space,” she concluded.

#SheUntamed. An Absa initiative for women in cycling.

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