Stellenbosch University's Coetzenburg sport complex was named Best Stage venue of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic.

Mr Jerry Laka, Director: Maties Sport, received the award on behalf of the University.

Stage 5 – the Queen stage of the 2019 Epic – finished at Coetzenburg on Friday and Saturday's Stage 6 was held at Coetzenburg before the 1200 mountain bikers left the fields on Sunday morning to finish the gruelling mountain bike stage race at Val de Vie Estate outside Paarl.

Coetzenburg C was turned into a helipad, while all the fields between the Danie Craven stadium and the main cricket pitch were transformed into the race village.

Other venues of this year's Cape Epic included UCT, Hermanus and Oak Valley.

“Coetzenburg is a special place, and this award would not have been possible without special people like the Maties Sport team, whose aim it is to always strive for operational excellence," said Chief Director of Maties Sport, Ms Ilhaam Groenewald.

“Special recognition must go to SU Facilities Management, especially Mr Louis Fincham, as well as our Maties Sport events team consisting of Mr Laka, events coordinator Ms Cindy van der Merwe, admin officer Ms Kim Coetzee, and all other support staff.

“Thank you to Cape Epic team for choosing us and we look forward to hosting many more Cape Epic events."

Previously the Cape Epic used Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch High School and Boschendal Wine Estate when visiting Stellenbosch.