As the Anna Foundation celebrates two decades of empowering rural communities through education, founder Anna Brom will take on one of the world’s toughest mountain bike races to raise awareness and support for the cause.
Stellenbosch, South Africa (21 January 2026) – As the Anna Foundation celebrates a remarkable 20 years of changing lives through rural education, its founder, Anna Brom, is preparing for a bold milestone, taking on the 2026 Absa Cape Epic, one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world.
Covering 692 kilometres over eight demanding days, the Cape Epic is not for the faint-hearted. Swapping her familiar running shoes for a mountain bike, Anna Foundation has proudly been an official charity partner of the race for 13 years. This will be the first time Anna herself lines up at the start.
Riding alongside her husband and the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Pierre-Henri Olivier, Anna’s goal goes far beyond crossing the finish line. It’s about showing the children supported by the Foundation and about shining a brighter spotlight on the importance of rural education.
“Last year we celebrated 20 years of the Anna Foundation. This is a remarkable achievement and in honour of this we wanted to do something significant, something that would take an equally remarkable effort and create awareness for the organisation. What bigger and more epic way to do this than the Absa Cape Epic!”
Taking on the race is a bold move for someone who doesn’t come from a cycling background. Anna admits her experience on two wheels is limited, but her mindset is firmly focused on possibility rather than limitation.
“Anything you put your mind to will always be possible. This is something I want to show the children we work with: you are always capable of more than you think.”
Her preparation journey began almost immediately after securing a race entry late last year, leaving just a few months to get ready.
“We only found out we had an entry in November 2025, so that gave me 3,5 months to train. I literally got my bike out of the shed, dusted it off and started riding the very day we got the news.”
Beyond the physical demands, Anna believes the mental side of the Epic may be the toughest test of all.
“I think one’s mental state is probably one of the most critical aspects knowing I can do hard things and not letting fear cripple me from trying.”
Looking ahead to race week, Anna remains honest about the unknowns but grounded in purpose. And as for whether she’ll complete the full distance?
“Yeah I will make it! Yes, I am committed to all 692km of this event, and will give 150% to make it to that finish line!”
Those wishing to support Anna and Pierre’s journey (and help advance rural education) can sponsor a kilometre for R100, contributing directly to the Foundation’s work and impact here.
Sources: Supplied
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