Top challenges for two-wheel enthusiasts
Which races are you going to pin down on your to-do list of 2015? Maybe it's part of your new year's resolution or already a tradition - but it's about time to start training for the year's most challenging cycling events in the Lowveld.
Which races are you going to pin down on your to-do list of 2015? Maybe it’s part of your new year’s resolution or already a tradition – but it’s about time to start training for the year’s most challenging cycling events in the Lowveld.
• Barberton XCM
January 31
MTB
First off – and certainly not for the faint-hearted – is the Barberton XCM on
January 31 starting at Barberton High School. There are five different options for this mountain-bike race. The 110km and 77km is for the experienced cyclist, the 48km and 30km for the intermediate and the 20km for the novice. Enquiries: Ben Theron on
082-455-0657 or bcth@worldonline.co.za
• National road, time trial and paracycling championships
February 3-8
Road
The name says it all – it caters for all categories of road cycling. It is sponsored by the Mpumalanga Department of Sport and Recreation, and hosted at Mbombela Stadium. Each category races their own distances, and winners compete for a national champion’s jersey. Entries at www.cyclingsa.com
• Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge
March 21
MTB
The 65km race will be jam-packed with bush tunnels, single-track and of course a couple of typical Mpumalanga climbs. Sappi has given the go-ahead to use last year’s course again. This is a favourite for many cyclists, the climb is a real dog but the single track is definitely something to write home about. Enquiries: Mark Meyer on
086-572-1591 or mark@mankele.co.za
• Ride for a good cause at Mac Mac Forest Retreat
May 1 or 2 (date yet to be finalised)
MTB
All proceeds for the 15km, 35km or 75km race go to Shalom Christian School in Graskop. The course has also not yet been laid out, but promises to provide a wide variety to push you to the limit. A mountain-bike race not to be missed. Enquiries: Chris van der Burg on 082-467-3079 or forest2falls@gmail.com
• Sabie Xperience MTB
May 3-6
MTB
It has been moved to May 3 to 6 due to heavy rain creating dangerous conditions last year. In the past 12 years, records show that Sabie has an average of 17 days of rain in December (140mm) versus three days and 40mm in May. Hence the move to May, when the average temperature is also much cooler during autumn. Enquiries: Dennis Lawrie on 086-731-6818 or
dlawrie@forestventures.co.za
• Uplands MTB Challenge
End of May
MTB
It has three fun distances which offer you a great opportunity to stay in the game and prepare for the big ones. Enquiries: Neil Clarke on 083-414-0228 or neil@getbushwise.co.za
• Big 5 MTB
June 26
MTB
This event takes place at Komatipoort Akademie. It is a fund-raising initiative by the school. Riders will enjoy amazing views of the Kruger National Park. The route is mainly well maintained farm roads through local sugar-cane and citrus farms, with a few areas being jeep track. It’s not technical but meant to be fun for the whole family. This year the race is held during the Komatipoort Prawn Festival which will ensure fun for riders and supporters alike. Enquiries: Avril Pretorius on 082-744-3775 or mayhew@vodamail.co.za
• The BestMed Jock Cycle Tour
July 18
Road
It is one of the Lowveld’s biggest road races. This was one of the first single-day stage races in SA created for the recreational cyclist, and although it’s morphed into a different route or two, the three-stage format has stayed popular. The race starts in Mbombela, and the route follows hilly sections where Jock of the Bushveld was made famous. This is a must-do for the winter months. Enquiries: www.asgevents.co.za
• The Clover Tour
August 5 to 9
Road
It is one to really look forward to, with some fantastic climbs and scenic routes around Graskop. This is a serious race, for elites, veterans and youngsters too, and follows a team-race format, with all the fanfare of the Tour de France. For more information on this five-day race for the elites and four days for the rest,
visit www.hatoere.co.za
• The York Enduro Mountain Bike Rally
September 10 to 13
MTB
It is known for its amazing variety. York Enduro hosts an unbelievable event in which professional riders are tested against corporate MTB enthusiasts in the different elements of mountain biking, surrounded by the York, and raced along hand-built trails. The race tends to test riders on the downhill sections, which are timed in special stage formats. It’s a lot of fun, and skill and fitness are essential.
