Join thousands in their Barberton climb

The race is known to be one of the toughest one-day mountain-bike races in the country.

With a variety of landscapes and terrain, riders are sure to experience a bit of everything.

The event, which attracts approximately 1 500 cyclists from various provinces and countries, still manages to keep the feel of a small race, but with all the benefits of the bigger races such as prizes, water points and great route markers.

Ultra-marathon riders are in for a real treat, but only if you spent the festive season in the saddle. The organisers decided to treat the riders with 25 per cent more elevation than in previous years. That means the total ascent will be over 3 000 metres.

“You will be climbing a mountain – literally. No one said it would be easy. However, we know it will be worth it!” organisers said.

Read about last year’s event: Tzaneen resident wins Barberton XCM

The Ultra is not only for male cyclists. Women competing in the Elite category will also be able to win prizes.

President of the Barberton Rotary Club, George Pearse, announced that riders who pre-enter the Ultra-marathon will be able to take their Cape Epic training to the next level with a free pre-ride on the Friday prior to the race (January 27) and a post-ride on the Sunday following the race. More information regarding the rides are available on the race website.

If you are not at Ultra rider level yet, there are still very delicate 20 and 30-kilometre routes and the not-so-delicate 48 and 77-kilometre races. Barberton Nursery School will host a Mini MTB Challenge for children aged two to 12.

• You can enter all the races online at www.cycleevents.co.za. Online pre-entries will close before January 24.

• For more information, visit www.barbertonxcm.co.za. Pre-entries are open on www.cycleevents.co.za.

• By supporting the race, you will be supporting charity. All funds raised will be utilised for a variety of charity projects in and around Barberton.