Cobus Olwage (IPT) and Brian Bear (MediCharge) Gear Up for the Ultimate Test: The Cape Epic

The Absa Cape Epic, renowned as one of the world’s most demanding mountain bike races, is not for the faint of heart. This eight-day stage race across South Africa’s rugged terrain demands peak physical endurance, mental resilience, and unwavering teamwork. For Cobus Olwage, representing managed services leader IPT, and Brian Bear of healthcare solutions provider MediCharge, the 2025 edition represents the culmination of months of relentless preparation—a journey marked by sacrifice, discipline, and sheer grit.

Balancing Act: Juggling Careers and Cadence

As professionals in high-pressure industries, Olwage and Bear face a unique challenge: balancing their roles as business leaders with the rigors of training for a 600-kilometre race featuring over 16,000 meters of elevation gain. Their days begin before sunrise, squeezing in grueling rides before work, and often end with late-night recovery sessions. Weekends are reserved for back-to-back endurance rides, simulating the race’s relentless stages.

“Training for the Epic isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about time management,” says Olwage. “Every hour counts, whether it’s a hill repeat session or strategizing with my team at IPT.” Bear echoes this sentiment, noting, “The mental fatigue of juggling MediCharge’s operations with 15-hour training weeks is real. But crossing that finish line will make every sacrifice worth it.”

Sacrifices Beyond the Saddle

The pair’s commitment extends far beyond sore muscles and early alarms. Family time, social gatherings, and personal downtime have all taken a backseat. Olwage admits missing milestones with his children, while Bear has forgone hobbies to prioritize recovery. Dietary discipline, physiotherapy appointments, and the financial investment in gear and logistics add layers to their dedication.

Yet their employers and families stand firmly behind them. IPT and MediCharge have rallied support, recognising the race as a testament to leadership and perseverance. “Brian embodies the tenacity we value at MediCharge,” says a colleague. “His drive inspires us all.”

A Team Effort, On and Off the Trail

The Cape Epic is a team race, and Olwage and Bear’s partnership mirrors their professional ethos: trust, communication, and shared goals. Their training has forged a bond critical for navigating the race’s unpredictable challenges—mechanical failures, extreme weather, and sheer exhaustion.

“We’ve learned to read each other’s limits,” Bear explains. “In the office or on the trail, success hinges on teamwork.”

Powered by Partnership: Gratitude to Our Sponsors

As Cobus and Brian gear up for the ultimate test, their journey is bolstered by the unwavering support of an exceptional network of sponsors, each embodying the spirit of resilience required to conquer the Epic:

• Fortinet, Trend Micro and Securicom—guardians of cybersecurity—mirror the vigilance needed to protect against unseen threats, much like riders safeguarding their stamina against the race’s relentless demands.
• Richfield Education and UIS Analytical exemplify the intellectual rigor of strategic planning, turning data into actionable insights, just as riders dissect elevation profiles and nutrition plans.
• Jacksonville Coffee fuels their climbs with the same energizing passion that powers early mornings and late-night recoveries, while Silverlight Financial Services underscores the importance of calculated risk and resource management, akin to balancing effort across 650 kilometers of unforgiving terrain.

Together, these partners form a collective force, proving that triumph in the Cape Epic—and in business—is a symphony of innovation, endurance, and collaboration.

Pedaling Toward the Prologue
As the race start looms, Olwage and Bear’s journey stands as a powerful reminder of what humans can achieve when passion meets purpose. Their story transcends sport, highlighting the intersection of ambition, sacrifice, and corporate camaraderie.

To Cobus and Brian: May your wheels spin true, your legs find strength in the steep climbs, and your partnership carry you through the dust and glory of the Cape Epic. Good luck—may the trails rise to meet you, and the finish line welcome you as champions.

Follow their Cape Epic journey on social media with #IPTtoEpic and #MedichargeMountainMission. Special thanks to sponsors Fortinet, Trend Micro, Securicom, Richfield Education, Jacksonville Coffee, UIS Analytical, and Silverlight Financial Services for powering this extraordinary quest.