"Cape Epic" organizers have announced that the 2020 race will be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Specialized team had already withdrawn its pro team from the race in order to prioritize the health of its pro riders, mechanics, and staff, as has been a global concern.

In a press release, race founder Kevin Fermark said, "It is with a heavy heart that we have taken this step, but the health and safety of everyone involved in the event must be given top priority."

"At 6 p.m. today, we received formal advice from the government that the event would not be held in the United States.

Team Manager Eric Fostvedt summarized Specialized's position on the withdrawal before the official cancellation announcement.

"Withdrawing from Cape Epic is a tough decision for us. The training was excellent throughout the week and the cooperation with the Songo Foundation was very meaningful. We are heading home after this year's event and we all look forward with great anticipation to returning to this beautiful race in 2021."

The Specialized pair of Annika Langvad and Jenny Lisvedz on Specialized mountain bikes were the favorites to win the women's race. Langvad and Lisvedis have won every time they have competed in the Cape Epic, and their absence at the 2020 Games will give other women's teams a chance.

Specialized has a strong track record at the Cape Epic and their withdrawal is noteworthy. It was also announced that the Trek-Pirelli team was unable to take the Italian team to South Africa due to the severity of the coronavirus containment.

However, the Cape Epic, which was scheduled to take place on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town on Sunday, was cancelled by the organizers.