Mountain bikes invade Sondela
The Waterberg was abuzz with mountain bikes for the Sondela Family Stage Race 2024 event that it hosted from Friday, 29 November.
This three-day Stage Race, one of the most exciting events on the mountain bike calendar, was a tremendous success.
The beautiful scenery of the Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa just outside Bela-Bela, only added to the pleasure of the riders.
No less than 714 riders participated in this year’s event, and the racing started on Friday, 29 November with a 19km day/night ride through the reserve.
Riders had to have lights attached to their bicycles to navigate the dirt roads in the moonlight.
On Saturday, 30 November the main 60 km event started at 07:00. The extreme heat of the Bushveld did not deter the riders, and great times were recorded for the day.
Sunday, 1 December saw the 40 km Trail Race.
The prizegiving was held at 11:30 to end the three days of adrenalin rush and excitement.
The Overall Stage Race Winner was Casper Kruger.
Riders commented on the well-organised event and said that Sondela Nature Reserve and Spa are excellent hosts by extending their welcome to the families of riders as well.
They were sad to bid Sondela farewell and are eager to be back next year as they think this event will become the most popular one in the country.
