Three-time Absa Cape Epic winner Matthew Beers and two-time Life Time Grand Prix overall winner Keegan Swenson teamed up as Outride/Toyota/Songo for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic, in a partnership many thought would go on to win the event. As close friends off the bike and formidable rivals on the trail, they are two of the most successful off-road riders of the past few years. Since both riders hail from different teams, they partnered with the non-profit Outride – a foundation aimed to empower "all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling."

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Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Keegan Swenson_018.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

While their 2025 Cape Epic campaign didn't go as planned owing to Swenson suffering from back issues and illness, the superstar duo still put in some solid performances, culminating in a third-place finish in the Grand Finale Stage 7 finish in Lourensford, Somerset West.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Keegan Swenson_000.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

We managed to get our hands on Swenson's Santa Cruz Blur and Beers' Specialized S-Works Epic 8 at the event, bringing our readers two detailed bike checks, highlighting the unique builds and individual selections made by both riders in terms of specifications and components.

To help raise funds for the Outride Organisation, Beers and Swenson donated their bikes to auction, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting the mission of empowering all people to experience the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of cycling.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Keegan Swenson_009.jpeg, by Liam Mercer

The auction ends in 24 hours, so if you're keen on owning one of these impressive builds, visit givebutter.com to place your bid.

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