Georg Egger and the Orbea Leatt Speed Company team, faced significant challenges during the 2024 Absa Cape Epic. Despite securing new partnerships and undergoing what appeared to be their most thorough preparation, the team encountered setbacks due to illness and the relentless South African heat.

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For the 2025 season, Egger and his teammate, Lukas Baum, opted for a more streamlined, back-to-basics strategy. They returned to the race village accommodations, utilising camper vans and a close-knit support crew. This approach aimed to provide greater control over their racing environment and preparation.

While reclaiming their title in 2025 was a formidable challenge against an increasingly competitive field, Egger and Baum remained a formidable duo, demonstrating resilience and determination. They achieved a stage win in the Grand Finale in Lourensford, securing 6th place in the general classification. 

As fan favourites and a place in the warm hearts of the home crowds, off.road.cc got a look at Georg's Orbea Oiz

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_000.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Centre, Georg Egger, watching footage with teammate Lukas Baum and mechanic Sascha Weber. Sascha himself is a formidable bike racer. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_001.JPG, by Liam Mercer

The team's start time for the prologue. Hotter than the paint job. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_002.JPG, by Liam Mercer

 Egger's Orbea Oiz, a hot yellow orange, contrasting with Baum's custom Euro job.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_003.JPG, by Liam Mercer

The signature Topeak saddle bag, Ergon saddle, and layback seatpost from Bike Ahead Composites. Encouraging to see that a saddle bag is a life choice even for UCI-level champions.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_004.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Roval hubs labeled with Georg's name for servicing during the event.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_005.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Number plate cut to precision for Georg's K Edge GPS mount.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_006.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Uber-slammed negative-rise stem with extra plugs/tool taped beneath and tucked behind the number board.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_007.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Fucrum's Metal Carbon wheels are solid and reliable.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_008.JPG, by Liam Mercer

SRAM XX1 Transmission AXS, a common choice among racers. A few opt for the alloy cage whereas here Egger is running the carbon version.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_009.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Duct tape and zip ties fix everything.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_010.JPG, by Liam Mercer

By far one of the most entertainingly slammed setups in the field. 

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_011.JPG, by Liam Mercer

 Sahmurai everywhere.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_012.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Threading the singletrack of Spice Route. Lukas and Georg on the wheel of Wout Alleman.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_014.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Winning the finale in Lourensford, a tight bond, and a crowd favourite.

Cape Epic_OffRoadCC_Georg Egger Orbea_015.JPG, by Liam Mercer

Finale celebrations in the mixed zone.

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