What does it take to build the world’s biggest mountain bike stage race from scratch? In this conversation, Kevin Vermaak unpacks the untold story behind Cape Epic — from years of financial pressure and relentless risk-taking to creating an event that transformed cycling in South Africa and around the world. We also dive into the future of gravel racing, the vision behind Gravel Burn, and why Kevin believes the next era of cycling is only just beginning.

# === CHAPTERS ===================================

0:00 — The Vision Behind Cape Epic

2:45 — From London Banking to Building a Race

10:35 — Himalayan Expeditions & Adventure Mindset

19:05 — Five Years of Losses & Extreme Stress

20:23 — The Decision That Changed Cape Epic Forever

31:05 — The Reality of Building Something Big

36:50 — Riding Cape Epic for the First Time

41:25 — Selling Cape Epic & Building a Legacy

52:50 — Why Gravel Is the Future of Cycling

2:09:30 — The Big Vision for Gravel Burn

# === LISTEN ON THE GO ===========================

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GselFmeym7YgYXtcyPUXU

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/active-hobo/id1846864699

# === FOLLOW ACTIVE HOBO =========================

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# === THE CREW ===================================

Dave @davlewjenkins

# === WORK WITH US ===============================

Sponsorships & collabs: david@activehobo.com

Send a question for the show: noah@activehobo.com

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