masquebici.com - Blog #English

Pack Cape Epic Luxury: the Absa Cape Epic like you've never lived it

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:23:55 +0000

You sleep away from the camp, in hotels and in a luxury house. You ride, we do the rest.

Eight days of racing, thousands of metres of climbing and dust in your eyelashes. Now imagine finishing each stage, taking a shower, having a proper dinner and sleeping in a real bed, while someone else takes care of your bike and your legs.

That is the Pack Cape Epic Luxury: you always sleep away from the camp, in good hotels and in a luxury house, and we take care of everything except the riding.

YOUR CAPE EPIC, FROM HOTEL TO HOUSE AND FROM HOUSE TO HOTEL

You start with 2 nights at the Erinvale hotel (March 19th and 20th), just 100 m from bib pick-up and the prologue. You arrive, collect your number and go straight to rest, with no driving and no rush.

During the race, a luxury house in Tulbagh awaits you (March 21st to 25th), 30 minutes from the camp. It is a shared house with shared bedrooms, and breakfast and dinner are included. It is the place to recover between stages, with your teammate and in a great atmosphere.

You close the week with 4 nights at the Paarl hotel (March 25th to 29th), very close to the camp, to enjoy the end of the race without sleeping in a tent.

YOU RIDE, WE DO THE REST

• Mechanical service in the paddock: your bike in the hands of our mechanics, ready every morning.

• Massage from March 20th to 27th, at the house or at the hotel, so your legs are ready at the start of every stage. There is no massage after the final stage.

• All the transfers: airport → Erinvale (March 19th, or your arrival day if you book extra nights), Erinvale → Tulbagh house (March 21st), daily transport between the house and the camp, vehicle from the camp to the Paarl hotel (March 25th to 28th) and Paarl hotel → airport (March 29th).

• 6 hotel nights with bed and breakfast, in a shared double room.

PRICE AND DATES: THE EARLIER YOU BOOK, THE LESS YOU PAY

Price per person in a shared room:

• Until 30/11/2026: €3,690

• From 1/12/2026: €3,790

• From 15/01/2027: €3,890

The price goes up on two dates, so the best time to book is now. Sales are open from October 3rd.

Do you want to live the Absa Cape Epic in maximum comfort? Write to us at info@masquebici.com and book your place.

Pack Cape Epic 2027: hotel and transfers to live the Absa Cape Epic

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:23:17 +0000

You ride, we do the rest

The Absa Cape Epic is better lived when everything is sorted. With the MASQUEBICI Pack Cape Epic you arrive in South Africa, sleep in a hotel just 100 m from bib pick-up and the prologue, and start the week with no rush and no commuting. During the race we take you to the first camp, and when the last stage is over a hotel is waiting for you in Paarl so you can rest and celebrate.

You focus on riding; we take care of the accommodation and the transfers.

ACCOMMODATION

• 2 nights at Erinvale (March 19th and 20th), bed and breakfast, shared double room. The hotel is just 100 m from bib pick-up and the prologue.

• 1 night in Paarl (March 28th), bed and breakfast, shared double room.

TRANSFERS

• Airport → Erinvale hotel on March 19th (or on your arrival day if you book extra nights).

• Erinvale hotel → first race camp in Ceres, on March 21st.

• Finish line → Paarl hotel, on March 28th.

• Paarl hotel → airport, on March 29th.

PRICE

Price per person in a shared double room: €1,100 until November 30th, 2026, €1,200 from December 1st and €1,300 from January 15th, 2027. Sales close on March 1st, 2027, so book early and secure your place at the best price.

Nutrition and hydration to tackle the desert stages

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Four stages of heat, sand, and prolonged exertion demand a nutrition strategy specifically designed for the desert. Here’s how to tackle each day without running out of fuel.

Competing in the 2026 Titan Desert Almería is not just a physical challenge; it is also a logistical one. Four consecutive stages in a hot, dry environment demand a well-planned nutrition and hydration strategy, as a mistake in this area can ruin a stage just as easily as a mechanical failure.

Hydration is arguably the most critical factor. In the Tabernas Desert, temperatures can soar during the day, leading to fluid and mineral salt losses through sweat that far exceed those experienced during routine training at home. It is advisable to start each stage well-hydrated, not only by drinking extra fluids on race day but also by maintaining good hydration in the days leading up to the event, and to carry salts or electrolytes to replenish what is lost through perspiration during the ride.

Regarding nutrition during the stage, the standard approach is to combine gels, bars, and some solid food at aid stations, depending on what each rider tolerates best. Heat can suppress appetite, so it is wise to train beforehand with the products you plan to use during the race to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as digestive issues, right in the middle of the desert.

Between stages, recovery involves replenishing carbohydrates and protein as soon as possible, while continuing to hydrate well throughout the afternoon and night. Getting good sleep and resting your legs is just as important as nutrition; stringing together four stages requires the body to recover as much as possible during the hours leading up to the next start.

A common mistake is radically changing your diet during the race itself by trying new products your body isn't used to. The safest bet is to stick, as much as possible, to the foods and supplements you used during training and save experimentation for another time.

At MASQUEBICI, in addition to providing mechanical support, we always recommend that riders arrive with a nutrition plan already tested during long training rides prior to the race, rather than improvising on the fly. The combination of a well-prepared bike and a well-nourished, hydrated body is the best guarantee for arriving in good shape for the four stages of the 2026 Titan Desert Almería.

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Countdown: the final preview

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000

There are only a few weeks left until the start of the Titan Desert Almería 2026. Here’s what you should be thinking about during this final stretch before boarding the plane.

With just a few weeks left until the start of the Titan Desert Almería 2026, the hard work of months of training is already done; now it’s time to focus on the details that make the difference between arriving at the start line calm and arriving with the nagging feeling that something has been overlooked.

Regarding training, this final phase is usually about reducing volume while maintaining intensity: the goal isn't to reach peak fitness the week before the race, but rather to arrive rested and with fresh legs, ready to tackle four consecutive stages in the desert.

On the equipment front, this is the moment for a final check of your bike using the technical checklist: ensure tires, drivetrain, brakes, and suspension are inspected well in advance, leaving enough time to resolve any unforeseen issues, rather than waiting until the day before checking your bike in at the airport.

It is also time to organize logistics: flights, transfers to Mojácar, and extra accommodation if you are arriving a few days early. You should also confirm the documentation required for registration and race number pickup, scheduled for the afternoon of September 30, 2026, at the Titan Village. (Isa: please confirm this date before publishing.)

Your luggage should include: technical clothing suitable for several days of heat and potential temperature drops at night, sunscreen, eyewear to protect against desert dust, and the basic spare parts kit mentioned in the technical checklist.

And, of course, this final stretch is the time to book the full-race mechanical service with MASQUEBICI, if you haven't done so already. The sooner you confirm your booking, the more time we have to prepare the specific equipment and spare parts your bike might need.

The Titan Desert Almería 2026 will put both your legs and your mind to the test, but arriving fully prepared, with your bike race-ready and logistics sorted, is the best way to enjoy the experience without any unpleasant surprises.

I want the Mechanical Service

How to get to Mojácar: flights and transfers

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:45:00 +0000

Mojácar, in Almería, is the starting point for the 2026 Titan Desert. We explain how to get there hassle-free while keeping your bike safe, and which airports are closest.

Mojácar is a coastal municipality in the province of Almería and the location where the Titan Village for the 2026 Titan Desert Almería will be set up. Although it lacks its own airport, there are several accessible options within a two-hour drive, making the journey much more convenient than it might first appear.

The nearest airport is Almería, located about an hour away by road; this is usually the most practical choice for those traveling from within Spain. Murcia-Corvera and Alicante airports are also viable options; while slightly further away, they offer more frequent international flights, making them particularly attractive for riders coming from abroad.

Once at the airport, the most common approach is to rent a car or van with enough space for bike bags, as public transport to Mojácar is limited and impractical when carrying race gear. If traveling in a group, sharing a private transfer is often more economical and comfortable than renting multiple cars.

Transporting the bicycle is often a source of uncertainty. Checking it in on your flight inside a hard or soft case is the standard method, but it is important to pack it securely, especially if you have carbon wheels or front suspension, to ensure it arrives at the Titan Village in perfect condition.

At MASQUEBICI, we offer flight and transfer management services through our travel partners, designed for riders who want to avoid logistical hassles. We help you find the most convenient flight, arrange your transfer to Mojácar, and, if needed, organize proper transport for your bike.

A practical tip: try to arrive in Mojácar at least one day before the race begins. This gives you time to calmly complete the technical check, assemble your bike (if you traveled with it disassembled), and rest after your journey before the first stage through the Tabernas Desert.

I want MAQUEBICI to transport my bike

MECHANICS AND MASSAGE AT THE NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN 2026 MASQUEBICI services to take care of the rider and their bike

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:01:00 +0000

The Nedbank Gravel Burn is a demanding race, with several consecutive days and terrain that tests both the participant and their bicycle.

For this reason, MASQUEBICI will offer professional mechanical and sports massage services from October 25th to 31st, 2026.

These services will be included in the All-In Pack and can also be booked separately by participants who have only registered or purchased the Enjoy Pack.

Mechanical Service

The mechanical service is designed to keep your bicycle in the best possible condition throughout the event.

Our team will perform the necessary inspection and maintenance after each stage, paying special attention to the components most exposed to wear, dirt, and the conditions of the course.

The goal is for each participant to start the next day with their bicycle inspected and ready.

The service may include, depending on the needs of each bicycle:

General inspection after each stage.

Cleaning and lubrication of the main components.

Adjustment of gears and brakes.

Checking of bolts and safety points.

Diagnosis of any potential malfunctions.

Repairs required during the race.

Any replacement parts or extraordinary materials that need to be replaced may be billed separately.

Sports Massage Service

After each stage, recovery is essential to face the next day in good condition.

The MASQUEBICI massage team will offer sessions focused on relaxing muscles, reducing fatigue, and promoting recovery for riders during the race.

The service will be tailored to the condition and needs of each participant and will be performed by professionals specializing in endurance sports events.

Support Designed for Stage Races

MASQUEBICI has experience supporting participants in stage races, where coordination, rapid response, and daily support are essential.

Our team will be present during the Nedbank Gravel Burn from October 25th to 31st, offering attentive and specialized support so participants can focus on enjoying the experience.

Mechanical and massage services can be booked individually or as part of packages.

Purchase services

History and Legends of the Titan Desert

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:51:41 +0000

Before becoming a must-attend event on the Spanish MTB calendar, the Titan Desert had already earned a reputation as one of the toughest stage races in the world. Here is the story behind it.

The Titan Desert was born over two decades ago in the Moroccan desert, and from the very beginning, it earned a reputation as one of the most demanding mountain bike stage races on the international calendar. Consecutive days of racing, high temperatures, varied terrain, and the need to manage one's effort day after day quickly turned it into a legendary event among endurance cyclists.

Over the years, the race has built a reputation not only for its physical difficulty but also for the sense of community that develops among the riders—shared nights, stories of personal triumph, and the feeling of having experienced an adventure far greater than a mere bicycle race.

The arrival of the Titan Desert in Almería, based in Mojácar, marks a significant shift in format: instead of sleeping in tents in the heart of the Moroccan desert, riders stay in hotels throughout the event. This greatly simplifies logistics and makes the experience accessible to a wider audience, all without losing the original spirit of a grueling desert stage race. The Tabernas Desert, unique in Europe due to its distinctive features, provides the lunar-like landscapes and technical terrain that have always been hallmarks of this race.

Over the years, the Titan Desert has attracted both professional and amateur riders, earning its reputation as a race that every endurance mountain biker dreams of adding to their list of achievements. The Almería edition carries on this legacy, bringing the event closer to European cyclists while preserving its essence: four tough stages, desert terrain, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line after giving it their all on every stage.

For MASQUEBICI, supporting riders during this new chapter of the Titan Desert in Almería is a way to maintain our long-standing connection to the race, providing mechanical support to those brave enough to take on this adventure.

I want to go to the Titan with MASQUEBICI

Technical checklist: how to prepare your bike for the desert

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:21:27 +0000

The trip is just weeks away, and your bike should already be thinking about the desert. Here’s what to check before boarding the plane to Mojácar.

Preparing your bike for the Titan Desert Almería 2026 is not the same as prepping it for a road ride or even a standard mountain bike marathon. Sand, fine dust, and terrain shifts, ranging from fast tracks and ravines to stretches along the coast, demand a specific setup. Here is the checklist we at MASQUEBICI recommend before you board the plane to Mojácar.

Tires and pressure: Most riders opt for dual-compound tubeless tires that are slightly wider than usual to better handle loose sand and desert rocks. Before traveling, check for cuts or uneven wear, and always carry spare sealant; thorn-induced punctures are very common in the desert.

Drivetrain: Clean and lubricate the chain before checking in your bike, and inspect the condition of your chainrings and cassette. Desert dust mixes with grease to act like sandpaper, so the cleaner the system is when you arrive, the longer it will last during the race.

Brakes: Check the condition of your brake pads and don't travel with them near the end of their lifespan; they wear out much faster during a four-stage race with technical sections than on your usual terrain. Pack a spare set in your luggage, although race mechanics usually have replacements available too.

Suspension: If your bike has suspension, check air pressures and the condition of the seals before leaving home; fine dust creeps into every crevice, accelerating wear on the fork seals and internals.

Fasteners and bolts: Go over the bolts on your stem, saddle, cleats, and crank arms before the trip. Constant vibrations from dirt tracks can loosen parts that you wouldn't even notice coming loose on the road. Race-day spares kit: an inner tube or tubeless repair kit, a quick-link for the chain, spare brake pads, a spare spoke (if your wheel allows for it), and the basic tools needed for quick gear and brake adjustments mid-stage.

And above all, don't leave the tune-up for the last minute: have your bike serviced well before you travel. During the race, take advantage of the daily mechanical service provided by MASQUEBICI at the Titan Village, we check every bike each night, but the better condition it’s in when you arrive, the fewer surprises you’ll face in the desert.

I want to purchase the mechanic service

ALL-IN PACK NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN 2026 The most complete Gravel Burn experience with MASQUEBICI

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:50:00 +0000

The MASQUEBICI All-In Pack is designed for those who want to experience the 2026 Nedbank Gravel Burn with complete peace of mind. It includes registration, travel logistics, bike transport and preparation, mechanical support, and a massage during the race.

Arrival in Cape Town: October 22 or 23

Participants will arrive in Cape Town on October 22 or 23, 2026.

Before taking their domestic flight to Port Elizabeth, participants will hand over their bicycles to the MASQUEBICI team. We will transport them by road to the race area.

Each participant must book their own domestic flights between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Upon arrival in Port Elizabeth, MASQUEBICI will pick up participants at the airport and transfer them to our hotel. Accommodation is included on a bed and breakfast basis.

Bicycle Preparation and Transfer to the Race

On October 24, we will transfer participants from Port Elizabeth to Graaff-Reinet.

The MASQUEBICI team will handle the transport, assembly, and preparation of the bicycles, which will be delivered ready before the start of the race.

Mechanics and Massage from October 25th to 31st

Throughout all stages, from October 25th to 31st, All-In Pack participants will have access to:

Mechanical service during the race.

Sports massage service.

Logistical support and accompaniment from the MASQUEBICI team.

Personalized attention throughout the entire experience.

Our goal is for each rider to be able to focus on competing, resting, and enjoying themselves, knowing that their bike and recovery are in the hands of a specialized team.

Return to Port Elizabeth and Cape Town

At the end of the final stage, on October 31st, participants will return their bikes to the MASQUEBICI team.

We will transfer the riders to Port Elizabeth, where they will stay overnight at our hotel with breakfast included.

On November 1st, we will take the participants to Port Elizabeth Airport for their flight to Cape Town.

MASQUEBICI will transport the bicycles by road and deliver them to Cape Town Airport, coinciding with the participants' arrival and international connection.

What does the All-In Pack include?

Official registration for the Nedbank Gravel Burn 2026.

All logistical services included in the Enjoy Pack.

Bicycle collection in Cape Town.

Bike transport by road.

Pick-up and transfers in Port Elizabeth.

Accommodation with breakfast included.

Transfer to Graaff-Reinet.

Bicycle assembly and preparation.

Mechanical service from October 25th to 31st.

Sports massage service from October 25th to 31st.

Logistical support and personalized service from MASQUEBICI.

Transfer to Port Elizabeth after the final stage.

Hotel accommodation on the night of October 31st, with breakfast.

Transfer to the airport on November 1st.

Bicycle transport and delivery in Cape Town.

Estimated price of the All-In Package: €5,400

Does not include domestic flights between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, which must be booked directly by each participant.

I want the 'All In Package'

ENJOY PACK NEDBANK GRAVEL BURN 2026 Enjoy the Gravel Burn with all the logistics organized

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:41:00 +0000

La Nedbank Gravel Burn es mucho más que una carrera: es una experiencia deportiva y de viaje en Sudáfrica. Con el Enjoy Pack de MASQUEBICI, el participante puede centrarse en disfrutar de la prueba mientras nosotros coordinamos los principales aspectos logísticos antes, durante y después del evento.

Arrival in South Africa: October 22 or 23, 2026

Participants will arrive in Cape Town on October 22 or 23, 2026. Before taking their domestic flight to Port Elizabeth, they must hand over their bicycles to the MASQUEBICI team in Cape Town.

MASQUEBICI will transport the bicycles by road to the race area, eliminating the need for participants to check them on their domestic flight.

The flight between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth must be purchased directly by each participant.

Upon arrival at Port Elizabeth Airport, the MASQUEBICI team will meet the participants and transfer them to our hotel. Accommodation is included on a bed and breakfast basis.

Transfer to Graaff-Reinet: October 24

On October 24, we will transfer participants from Port Elizabeth to Graaff-Reinet, the starting point of the Gravel Burn experience.

Meanwhile, the MASQUEBICI team will have transported, assembled, and prepared the bicycles. Participants will receive them ready before the start of the race.

During the race: October 25-31

From October 25 to 31, MASQUEBICI will be present during all stages, offering logistical support and guidance to participants.

Race finish and return

After the final stage on October 31, participants will return their bicycles to the MASQUEBICI team.

That same day, we will transfer the riders to Port Elizabeth, where they will spend the night at our hotel with bed and breakfast included.

On November 1, MASQUEBICI will transfer participants from the hotel to Port Elizabeth Airport for their flight to Cape Town. This domestic flight must also be booked directly by each participant.

The bicycles will be transported by road with MASQUEBICI and delivered at Cape Town Airport, coinciding with the participants' arrival and connection to their return international flight.

What does the Enjoy Pack include?

Reception and logistical coordination in Cape Town.

Bicycle collection on October 22 or 23.

Bike transport to the race.

Pickup at Port Elizabeth Airport.

Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Accommodation in Port Elizabeth with breakfast included.

Transfer to Graaff-Reinet on October 24.

Bicycle assembly and preparation.

Delivery of the ready bicycle before the race.

Support and logistical assistance throughout the experience.

Transfer to Port Elizabeth after the final stage.

Accommodation in Port Elizabeth on the night of October 31, with breakfast.

Transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport on November 1.

Bicycle transport to Cape Town. Bike delivery at Cape Town Airport.

Mechanical service

Massage service

Estimated price of the Enjoy Pack: €1,900

Does not include race registration or domestic flights

I want the 'Enjoy Pack'