MTB

The World's Premier Mountain Bike Stage Race to be offered in 360-degree immersive video

By Absa Cape Epic

In a world first for sporting events, the Absa Cape Epic will include a mountain biker riding with the pro peloton who will deliver 360-degree immersive video during the 8-day stage race when it takes place in the Western Cape in March 2016.

This collaboration between Bulls Bikes, 3sixtv and the Absa Cape Epic will see Stefan Sahm, a former winner of the Absa Cape Epic, cycling on a Bulls E-bike in the race and filming it in 360-degree immersive video, made possible by the technical team at 3sixtv.

“We are constantly looking to innovate and find new ways of covering the racing action – 360-degree immersive video will create never before seen camera angles and allow online users a far more compelling experience. We shot the entire prologue in 360-degree immersive video. We previewed it at the route launch and the response has been phenomenal!” says Sarah Haigh, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Absa Cape Epic.

Myles Hoppe, Managing Director of 3sixtv says: “Having Stefan Sahm, at the race is a major coup. He brings deep insight and a mountain biking skills that will allow us to create next level content for viewers”.

3sixtv will use the Bulls EVO F 329 E-bike, a custom developed camera rig and software to create daily 360-degree immersive videos of this year’s Absa Cape Epic. The Bulls E-bike features a hot swappable lithium battery that is seamlessly integrated into the frame, smart geometry to ensure a low centre of gravity and superior handling, a maximum of 25km/hour assistance and a range of 220km, depending on the terrain. The Bulls EVO F 329 E-bike is powered by a Brose motor, which is both designed and manufactured in Germany. Brose has extensive automotive experience and has applied the same engineering, quality and manufacturing standards to their E-Bike motors.

Stefan Sahm states: “The design team has produced an E-bike that doesn’t compromise on handling or performance – but the Absa Cape Epic will be the ultimate stress test.”

“The Absa Cape Epic is a race that measures all, not just the riders. It is a great place for us to push ourselves and our technology to the limit in order to fully capture the Absa Cape Epic experience,” explains Hoppe.

Sahm will be a neutral rider and cover the race according to UCI media rules and regulations. The 360-degree immersive videos will be available daily on the Absa Cape Epic social media channels: www.facebook.com/capeepic and www.youtube.com/absacapeepic