The gruelling Cape Epic mountain bike race will present a completely different challenge for racing car driver Gugu Zulu.

"I've never done this event, although I've seen that a couple of days can be muddy and wet which makes it very difficult to get through," said Zulu speaking at the media launch in Sandton on Thursday.

Zulu, who has three SA Rally Class Championship titles to his name, winning in 2007, 2009 and 2010, said he would take the same approach to mountain-biking as he did in rallying.

"For me, I'll just try and take it like my motor sports and then you just need to get through it," Zulu said.

"The Cape Epic has always been on my bucket list and when I looked at the 2012 calendar there was a gap and I took the opportunity to try and get an entry.

"Now that I'm in, I'm super-excited and looking forward to it."

Riders are not allowed to practise on the intimidating 754 km route, which includes 15 400 metres of climbing.

"The butterflies are killing me and I think it's all because of the unknown factor of the Cape Epic," said Zulu.

"All I know is what I've seen on TV but I'm positive that I can get through it."

Zulu felt that besides the physically demanding nature of the race, the psychological aspect would be key.

"The toughest challenge through the race I think is the mental side of things.

"It's quite daunting, waking up early and being in pain and every inch of your body is sore.

"Then having to go out and climb more mountains like 2500m on a daily basis -- one just has to take it one peddle at a time and get through it.

"Going downhill is also a challenge, you can't just sit back and take it easy. I think fatigue is going to be a major challenge and the endurance factor."