Elgin is not only home to some of South Africa’s best mountain biking trails; it is also the base of AQUASKY. AQUASKY is the new official water partner of the Epic Series’ African mountain bike events, including the Absa Cape Epic, and will aid riders in their hydration needs throughout the Untamed event while maintaining a focus on sustainability and environmental impacts.
Elgin-based mineral and air water brand, AQUASKY, is committed to sustainability and environmentalism, which is why they are a natural fit for mountain biking. Their mineral water is naturally filtered by the same fynbos, Table Mountain sandstone, Kouebokkeveld shale, and koffieklip, which provides the terroir for the iconic Elgin Valley Mountain bike trails. Additionally, AQUASKY offers air-to-water technology, further enhancing their commitment to sustainable practices. Every drop of AQUASKY water used to hydrate riders is thus a reconnection with the earth.
“At AQUASKY, we focus on sustainability,” AQUASKY founder Brendan Williamson emphasised. “It drives our company ethos and that is why we produce 80% of our still water in glass bottles. The glass bottles are returnable too, thanks to our refill service. And in the instances where we use plastic bottles, we are moving towards biodegradable plastics.”
“We are delighted to partner with the Absa Cape Epic, providing athletes with AQUASKY’s sustainably sourced water,” Justin McGahey, Sales and Marketing Manager – AQUASKY, said. “Our commitment to sustainable hydration ensures that every drop supports athletes’ peak performance while respecting the Earth’s resources. AQUASKY is the perfect hydration partner for this iconic race, and we look forward to supporting the riders throughout their epic journey.”
“We hope that the message of sustainable hydration will resonate with the participants in the Absa Cape Epic and other Epic Series events as we know they value a pristine natural environment as much as we do,” McGahey added. “There is also something very exciting in the pipeline from AQUASKY which will be available in time for the 2025 Absa Cape Epic. This new sports product will be available exclusively in biodegradable bottles, which we hope will increase its appeal to mountain bikers.”
“The proliferation of single-use, non-recyclable plastics in events has long been a personal concern of mine, so it is wonderful to have a partner who is actively working to produce a pure mineral water in glass or biodegradable bottles,” smiled Absa Cape Epic Race Director Karen Clements. “Beyond the personal pleasure that I take from AQUASKY’s sustainability commitments, I know that the entire team is looking forward to working with an innovative and ethical local company. It’s particularly special to know that AQUASKY is employing people in Elgin and Grabouw, a region which we visit often with the Epic Series.”
AQUASKY and the Epic Series have signed a three-year partnership agreement, which sees the mineral water brand take on the role of Official Water Partner for the Epic Series’ African mountain bike races, including the Absa Cape Epic. Their still and sparkling waters will thus be available to riders in race villages from 2025 and beyond. To find out more, visit www.AQUASKY.co.za and www.epic-series.com or www.epic-series.com/capeepic.