Berge and Dale returns to the road for iconic 22nd edition
The popular Krugersdorp-based cycling event Berge & Dale will return to the road when the 22nd edition takes place on February 26 and 27, 2022, at Protearif Primary School.
After having had to cancel this year’s edition because of Covid-19 uncertainties, organisers Slipstream Events look forward to welcoming riders back to this event, which is renowned for its challenging and hilly route, and in particular the sting in the tail climb to the finish.
Following the 109km, which is an official seeding event for Ride Joburg, and 60km road races on Saturday, the event will also introduce a mountain bike event with distances of 45km and 20km at Kings Kloof.
The 45km MTB race, with 1 000m of ascent, is challenging and technical, and should only be attempted by fit and experienced mountain bikers.
There will be new sections cut for the 20km race.
Race director Erick Oosthuizen said the Berge & Dale is such an iconic event in the West Rand and has been since it started 22 years ago.
“As a cyclist, you always know that when you ride here, you’re not necessarily in for a flat and easy outing. This year is no different with the long-distance finishing with two of the West Rand’s best-known climbs, Hekpoort and Sterkfontein.”
He added that to keep with the hilly theme, there will be a not-so-flat mountain bike race on Sunday.
“There’s an easy 20km option for all and sundry, with the 45km distance for the hardened riders.”
The last time Berge & Dale winners were crowned was in 2020, with Travis Barrett and Joanna van de Winkel taking the respective titles.
After competing in the event three times, this marked Cape Town Cycle Tour champion Barrett’s first Classic victory.
For Van de Winkel, it was special to have her children cheer her on at the finish, coming up solo to win.
Adding to the excitement and anticipation, Everything. Insure has officially come on board as the event’s title sponsor.
Their products extend to every facet of life, from personal home and car to business assets, professional indemnity, to death and disability cover.
“We’re pleased to see cycling back after a period of uncertainty and limited events, so it was an easy decision for us to partner with Berge & Dale to bring the community the event that will kick start our 2022 cycling calendar,” said Werner Slabbert, executive head: First Equity PSG Division.
He added that with most of us have to live socially distanced and sedentary lives; he feels cycling is the one sport can enable a healthy lifestyle.
“The Berge & Dale is a race for the experienced riders and novices, and we have added an MTB event; so, the 2022 Berge & Dale will be for everyone too.”
For more information about entry fees, categories, distances for road and mountain bike races, and cost, click HERE.
Entries close on February 18, 2022, or as soon as they have reached limits.
