Call for entries for Mountain Trophy Race

The Cradle Mountain Trophy, the biggest two-day stage race in Gauteng, is calling for final entries as it prepares to launch its eighth annual mountain bike (MTB) race on the weekend of Saturday, 8 and Sunday, 9 April

The race has traditionally attracted avid cyclists based in Gauteng looking for something different to do during the Easter School holidays, and those interested in fine-tuning their training for the Joberg2C and Sani2C events.

For the last eight years, race organiser Rob Jackson of The Leverage Corporation (TLC) has focused his efforts on exposing riders to new vistas in the Cradle that they would not normally be able to access.

“Many of the public land routes cross private land and have been traditionally difficult for riders who love the challenge of dirt tracks, steep climbs and tricky environmental conditions to access,” noted Rob.

“An event like the Cradle Mountain Trophy opens up these areas, courtesy of the private landowners in the area. The sanctity of their flora and fauna is extremely important to us and we go to great lengths to ensure that our riders do not violate the rules we put in place.”

The Cradle Mountain Trophy promises a fantastic offering of single track, plus some challenging off-road, and of course some good technical aspects.

“But do remember”, Rob warned, “that we are calling this the Mountain Trophy for good reason.”

The race comprises a two-day stage race of 77km and 40km, with riders having the additional option of doing one-day distances.

“This year we’ve introduced an U/19 category for the first time for the 40km and 25km routes. It is a great way of attracting younger riders to experience the testing routes in rough terrain, with a good measure of safety,” said Rob.

ER24 paramedics will be present throughout the event and marshals from Mogale City Traffic Department and Think Bike, who run a lead bike ahead of the race leaders and a sweep bike at the back to ensure that no one gets left behind, will also be in attendance.

Riders who wish to enjoy a race on private land “away from the crowds” should register on the race website at www.mountain-trophy.co.za and secure an entry.

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