Mopani Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge around the corner
The race is set to take place on May 7.
It is almost time for the 26th annual Mopani Pharmacy Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge hosted by the Barberton Rotary Club.
Set to take place on May 7, a decision was taken to move the traditional date in January to the first Saturday in May.
A statement by the Barberton Rotary Club said the new date includes a multitude of benefits such as dryer terrain, cooler temperatures, lower humidity levels and more time to train.
The race offers cyclists five different distances to choose from, the 110km, 78km, 50km, 30km and 20km, with each route challenging the riders and their fitness level.
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“The Barberton XCM is known in the cycling community to be one of the best organised and toughest one-day mountain bike races in South Africa – no wonder the slogan is ‘Not as delicate as a daisy’,” said the statement.
The organisers and main sponsor, Mopani Pharmacy, invite all cyclists, with any form of bicycle (including ebikes) to join in the fun on May 7.
“The routes will expose riders to various terrain types, from water crossings to single track, from the Greenstone Wildlife Estate to some of the richest gold mines in the world, through Sappi plantations to thousands of macadamia trees, from rocky ascents to fast descents – there is something for every preference,” said the statement.
“If you still have some breath left at the top of the mountain, the incredible scenery will be sure to take the rest of your breath away.”
Cyclists will cycle on routes which is not open to the public, through a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Mountainlands Nature Reserve.
The statement went on to say that the Rotary Club of Barberton utilises the funds raised by the event to support multiple locals in need. These initiatives include food and groceries to local old-age pensioners, meals for schoolchildren and many more other initiatives.
“We hereby humbly request your support, to enter the race and to share the event as far and wide as possible. The mountain biking calendar in SA is extremely busy, which causes race dates to clash – which is why, we now, more than ever need every entry we can get,” said the statement.
“Without support from riders and sponsors, the event cannot be a success – and with this being the 26th race, it really is a milestone for all.”
Pre-enteries can be made at at www.barbertonxcm.co.za.
Entries for Saturday’s Barberton XCM Race close tonight, May 3, at 23:00.
Late entries can be submitted on Friday May 6 at Mopani Pharmacy at Crossing Centre from 10:00 to 13:00, or at Barberton High School from 13:00 to 21:00.
People can also submit their late entries at Barberton High School on May 7 at 05:30.
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