Gauteng mountain bikers had until Monday evening to get their entries in for the testing new ultra marathon race and half-marathon that form part of the Bestmed Walkerville MTB Classic on Saturday, May 23.
The 80km event, which is a full 20km longer than in previous years, is set to attract some of South Africa’s top one-day racers as they kick off the first off-road leg of the Bestmed National Cycling Series.
The series, which is the brainchild of ASG Events, includes a ranking and seeding system for mountain bikers and roadies alike.
It will see riders compete for a cash prize plus additional product prizes.
Former professional cyclist and SuperSport presenter Andrew Mclean, a staunch supporter of the Walkerville event, said the revised distance was a welcome innovation for competitive racers and those seeking more of an autumn challenge.
“The professionals, especially, are always looking for a slightly longer distance and here they get a real mountain bike event, as opposed to a road race on dirt,” he said.
Mclean said he was disappointed to be missing out on the first edition of the ultra-marathon, which has moved from its traditional July time slot.
“It has always been on my calendar as one of the proper mountain bike races up in Gauteng that I am able to do,” he said.
He also said what set Walkerville apart was the testing terrain.
“It is not a perfectly manicured track or just dirt road, it has got a bit of everything,” he said.
Route director Darren Herbst, a member of the ASG Events organising team, concurred.
“Although we were forced to look for a different route this year, it still has all the elements; long climbs, fast descents, dirt roads, jeep track and a flowing single-track. “The route is fast, challenging and new.”
Herbst said the notorious Platberg climb would not form part of this year’s race but said the extra distance and new, undulating trails more than made up for it.
“The elevation and terrain were carefully considered.
“I believe we have got a solid base to work from and hope all the changes make a positive difference to this amazing race,” he said.
Entries were limited to 1 400 riders.
Aside from the 80km feature race, the line-up of events includes the more accessible 35km distance, a10km family ride and a 5km children’s race for six to eight-year-olds.
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