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| Cape to Cape MTB |
Recognised as Australia’s largest and most popular four-day mountain bike stage race, Cape to Cape MTB combines challenging off-road riding with some of the most spectacular scenery in Western Australia’s South West.
From the dramatic coastline surrounding Cape Leeuwin and the forests and farmlands of the Margaret River Region to mountain bike parks, private trails, vineyards and bushland, the four-day event provides riders with an extraordinary way to experience one of Western Australia’s most celebrated destinations.
Cape to Cape MTB has grown from a small event that began in 2008 with fewer than 100 riders into a major international mountain biking event that regularly attracts hundreds of participants from Australia and overseas. The event has retained its connection with the spectacular South West landscapes that helped establish its reputation.
Four Days of Epic Mountain Biking
Cape to Cape MTB is designed as a four-day stage race, with each stage offering a different riding experience.
The event takes riders across a constantly changing landscape, incorporating coastal trails, national parks, forests, farmland, bushland, mountain bike parks and private property.
The 2026 event program also includes a prologue on 14 October, followed by four stages from 15 to 18 October. The 2026 course information remains subject to final updates, with the organisers confirming that courses can change until the race morning briefing.
For mountain bikers, this constantly changing terrain is part of the attraction. Each day presents new challenges, new scenery and another opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia's South West from the saddle.
From Cape Leeuwin to the Margaret River Region
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| Cape to Cape MTB |
The opening stage provides an immediate taste of what makes Cape to Cape MTB distinctive, combining challenging mountain biking with an extraordinary coastal setting.
The course then moves through the South West, with stages incorporating locations including Nannup and Margaret River before the event reaches its final stages.
The 2026 sponsor prospectus outlines a course of approximately 200 kilometres, with riders tackling roughly 50 kilometres each day. The course travels through a mixture of private trails, vineyards, coastline, national parks, forests, farmland and mountain bike parks.
A Course Designed for Adventure
Cape to Cape MTB is not simply about speed.
The event welcomes riders of different abilities and has developed a reputation for creating a challenging but accessible mountain bike experience.
The organisers describe the event as being suitable for everyone from elite racers through to recreational riders, with the philosophy that Cape to Cape is a ride as well as a race. Riders can participate individually or in pairs, while different age categories provide opportunities for competitors across a broad range of experience levels.
The 2026 race classifications include Junior, Seniors, Masters, Grand Masters, Great Grand Masters and Mega Masters categories, as well as Open and pairs categories.
There is also an eMTB category, providing another way for mountain biking enthusiasts to participate in the event.
The Margaret River Region on Two Wheels
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| Cape to Cape MTB |
The region is internationally recognised for its wineries, gourmet food, beaches, forests and natural landscapes, but it is also an established mountain biking destination.
There are nearly 80 kilometres of sanctioned and mapped single-track riding across several trail areas, with trails catering to beginner, intermediate and advanced riders. The main areas include the Wooditjup Trails near Margaret River, the Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park and Middle Earth near Cowaramup.
For riders arriving early or staying after the event, these trails provide an opportunity to extend a Cape to Cape MTB holiday with additional mountain biking adventures.
Margaret River Trails Add Another Dimension
The Wooditjup Trails, also known as The Pines or Compartment 10, offer approximately 40 kilometres of single-track riding.
Nearby Creek Trails provide another 15 kilometres, while Return of the Jedi adds approximately eight kilometres.
Dunsborough Mountain Bike Park, also known as the Meelup Trails, provides around 20 kilometres of single-track, while Middle Earth near Cowaramup offers approximately 20 kilometres of trails.
The variety means that riders can continue exploring long after the Cape to Cape MTB race has finished.
One of the local trails, Big Pine, has become particularly associated with Cape to Cape MTB. The trail is described by the Margaret River Region tourism organisation as fast, friendly and progressive, with sections regularly used in the event.
A Mountain Bike Holiday for the Whole Crew
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| Cape to Cape MTB |
The event encourages participants to bring friends and family, with time built into the program for support crews and visitors to experience the attractions of the Margaret River Region.
While riders tackle the stages, supporters can explore beaches, wineries, forests, food producers, galleries and local towns.
The region is renowned for its premium wines and gourmet food, while its beaches and forests provide countless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
This makes Cape to Cape MTB an appealing option for a group holiday where not everyone needs to be competing.
Wine, Food and Mountain Biking
One of the defining features of a Cape to Cape MTB holiday is the combination of serious mountain biking with the relaxed lifestyle of the Margaret River Region.
After a demanding day on the trails, riders can discover the region's celebrated wineries, breweries, restaurants and food producers.
The event itself incorporates local hospitality into the experience, with stage finishes providing opportunities for riders and supporters to relax and celebrate their achievements.
For visitors who want to extend their stay, the Margaret River Region offers an impressive choice of cellar doors, restaurants, breweries and food experiences.
The result is a destination where an active adventure holiday can easily be combined with Western Australia's famous food and wine culture.
More Than Just a Mountain Bike Race
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| Cape to Cape MTB |
The race provides access to private trails that are not ordinarily available to the public, with local landowners opening their gates for participating riders.
The organisers emphasise the importance of respecting private property and ensuring that riders do not pre-ride event-only sections of the course. This helps protect the relationships that allow the event to continue using these unique trails.
The event also relies heavily on volunteers and local organisations, reinforcing the connection between Cape to Cape MTB and the communities through which it travels.
Couch to Cape Encourages New Riders
For those inspired by Cape to Cape MTB but wondering whether they are experienced enough to participate, the Couch to Cape program offers an encouraging pathway.
Introduced in 2025, the program supports people who are new to mountain biking or returning to cycling by providing equipment, training guidance and support.
For 2026, the program has expanded to three participants. Selected riders receive support including a Giant Stance mountain bike, cycling equipment, nutrition products, event merchandise, free entry and training guidance.
The initiative reflects the event's broader aim of making mountain biking more accessible while introducing new riders to the Cape to Cape experience.
Plan a Margaret River Adventure
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| Cape to Cape MTB |
The event organisers recommend Margaret River or Prevelly and Gnarabup as convenient central bases for riders who prefer to stay in one location throughout the event. Accommodation is not included with race entry, so visitors should make arrangements well in advance.
Beyond the race, travellers can explore the Cape to Cape coastline, visit wineries and cellar doors, enjoy the region's beaches, discover karri forests and sample local produce.
The Cape to Cape Track also offers a spectacular hiking experience along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste coastline, providing another opportunity to explore the landscape at a slower pace.
Cape to Cape MTB 2026
Cape to Cape MTB will take place across the Margaret River Region from 15 to 18 October 2026, with a prologue scheduled for 14 October.
For mountain bikers searching for an unforgettable Australian cycling adventure, the event offers a rare combination of challenging trails, spectacular scenery, local hospitality and the opportunity to explore one of Australia's great food and wine regions.
Whether competing for a podium position, riding with friends, taking on the event as a personal challenge or simply travelling with a cycling enthusiast, Cape to Cape MTB provides an exceptional reason to visit Western Australia's Margaret River Region in October.
The combination of mountain biking, coastline, forests, vineyards, food, wine and South West hospitality makes Cape to Cape MTB much more than a four-day race. It is an adventure that showcases the Margaret River Region from a completely different perspective.
Cape to Cape MTB
Website: www.capetocapemtb.comEmail: hello@capetocapemtb.com
Phone: +61 (08) 6285 8551
Cape to Cape MTB is held in the Margaret River Region of Western Australia, with event stages travelling through locations including Augusta, Nannup and Margaret River.
For the latest 2026 race information, course details, registration information and event updates, visit the official Cape to Cape MTB website.
Margaret River Region
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| Cape to Cape MTB |
Email: welcome@margaretriver.com
Phone: +61 8 9780 5911
Address: 100 Bussell Highway, Margaret River WA 6285
The Margaret River Region tourism organisation provides information about accommodation, attractions, food and wine, mountain biking, outdoor activities and events throughout the region.
For more information about Cape to Cape MTB 2026, including registration, accommodation and travel planning, visit the official event website and Margaret River Region tourism website before travelling.
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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