NTT DATA Celebrates 10 Years as Official Technology Partner of the Absa Cape Epic

Johannesburg, 17 March, 2025 - NTT DATA, a global digital business and technology services leader, celebrates a decade of providing cutting-edge technology and connectivity for one of the world's most challenging and prestigious mountain bike events, the Absa Cape Epic.

As the official technology partner to the Absa Cape Epic for the past 10 years, NTT DATA has played an instrumental role in ensuring seamless communication and data transfer, enhancing the experience for riders, organisers, media, and fans across the globe.

The Absa Cape Epic, which is in its 21st year, covers approximately 700 kilometres and 16,000 meters of climbing through the rugged and remote landscapes of the Western Cape. Known for its unpredictability in terrain and weather conditions, the race challenges riders to push their limits while experiencing some of the most untamed scenery in the world.

"Technology plays a pivotal role in bringing this incredible race to life," said Marc Jessiman, Vice President of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA. "Over the past 10 years, we've evolved from providing basic connectivity to developing a sophisticated, secure, and scalable network that supports everything from real-time race tracking and live media streaming to critical communications between riders, organisers, and medical teams."

NTT DATA has successfully delivered a reliable network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity in remote areas where even basic mobile signals are scarce. This ensures uninterrupted service for riders, support teams, media crews, and fans alike. Riders can stay connected with their families and fans while media teams stream live footage of the race, providing real-time updates for over a million viewers worldwide.

"Our ability to adapt to new challenges – from extreme weather to new race locations – has been crucial in our long-standing partnership with the Absa Cape Epic," said Jessiman. "We continue to innovate by improving the scalability, reliability, and security of our network, all while maintaining a commitment to ensuring the race stays connected to the outside world, no matter how tough the conditions."

Enhancing the Experience through Real-Time Tracking and Live Streaming

NTT DATA's role goes far beyond just keeping the event running smoothly. Maintaining connectivity is essential not only for the safety of riders but also for enriching the experience of fans, crew and stakeholders around the world.

NTT DATA ensures that every moment of the race, captured from multiple vantage points - including e-bikes, helicopters, and strategically placed cameras along the route - is seamlessly transmitted to media centres and broadcast compounds in each race village for global distribution. Working alongside the Bulls out on route, NTT DATA helps ensure that live coverage reaches fans around the world, delivering real-time race action straight to their screens, no matter how remote the terrain.

Riders and their teams also benefit significantly from the connectivity. Riders use the network to upload content, connect with support staff remotely, and share their race-day experiences. In a race where every second counts, reliable connectivity is crucial for both communication and safety. The ability to stay connected to medical teams and race officials is paramount in case of emergencies, and it ensures the continuity of the race without any disruption.

For sponsors, the importance of having a robust, uninterrupted network is key to their involvement. The digital sponsorship experience has grown exponentially, says Jessiman, explaining:  "Sponsors expect returns on their investment, and a reliable, secure network ensures they can deliver on their mandates. A network that can't be trusted to perform, especially in a digital world, can impact their ability to engage with their audience."

The Role of Technology in Delivering World-Class Coverage

NTT DATA's partnership with the Absa Cape Epic is a strong example of how technology has become a fundamental part of delivering world-class events. The connection between fans, riders, media, organisers, and sponsors is essential to the success of the race, and NTT DATA has been at the forefront of ensuring that the event remains connected, no matter the challenges posed by the unpredictable terrain and weather.

"It's not just about providing connectivity," says Jessiman. "It's about ensuring that the race experience, both for participants and viewers, is as immersive and connected as possible. We're proud to have been part of this journey for the past decade and look forward to another year of continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible."