The ultimate mountain bike race

MOUNTAIN bike enthusiasts looking for the ultimate physical test better get their entries in for the new kid on the block in local mountain bike stage racing, the TransCape MTB Cycle Race.

The seven-day event, set to be held for the first time from February 8 to 14, 2015, will see the field tested to their limits on a classic route that will take them from the start, in the quaint coastal town of Knysna, to the finish line in the Stellenbosch, Franschoek region in the heart of the Cape winelands.

Covering a distance of about 750km, the race, which has CSA approval, will showcase the best South African mountain biking has to offer. While it will provide a stern but fair challenge for pro riders, dedicated amateur mountain bikers will also find it achievable with every finisher sure to leave with a true sense of accomplishment.

The direction of the race will alternate each year and has been put together by a dedicated and experienced team of sports enthusiasts.

Open to individual riders, teams of two (men’s/women’s/mixed) and disabled competitors, the entry fees are R28 000 a team and R16 000 per solo entrant.

There will also be a TREAD Buffalo category (at no additional fee) for teams with a combined rider weight of at least 180kg and individual division for cyclists weighing more than 90kg.

Race owner, Lenore Collett, says this event is for the discerning mountain biker. “It is an exclusive event which offers a challenging seven-stage on-the-bike race coupled with a first-class off-the-bike experience, with each competitor being treated like a VIP.”

Accommodation (included in the entry fee) will be provided at guest houses while the culinary expertise of renowned chef, Nic van Wyk, has been brought on board to oversee the cyclists’ dietary requirements.

The field for the first event will be kept relatively small. To enter, visit www.transcapemtb.co.za