The Sabie Xperience has over its almost two decades in existence become known as the fun, affordable, family friendly stage race where even the recreational rider can line up and enjoy 3 days of fantastic mountain biking in the stunning Sabie mountains.

The 2021 edition powered by SPAR Lowveld DC was no different and despite the change of date due to Covid it still attracted a field of riders for whom the main goal was to enjoy the scenery, the riding and the unique comradery of a stage race.

The event consisted of a Solo Challenge race with slightly longer distances for the more competitive single rider and a Team Lite race where teams of two tackled the stages as well as a non-competitive Solo Lite for riders just out for a fun three days in the saddle.

Different age categories allowed riders to compete against their peers with accommodation even for the growing E Bike market.

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Day one saw the riders head out east towards Graskop for a loop that included a few challenging climbs and thrilling sections of single track. Day 2 had the Solo riders heading up onto Hartebeesvlakte way above Sabie, a stunning plateau complete with vast grasslands, waterfalls, small and large buck and even the possibility of a leopard if you are lucky. The last day saw the traditional race against the clock over a time trial route that gave riders the last chance to stay off the brakes and empty the fuel tank.

The Sabie Xperience prides itself on looking after its entrants and all riders enjoyed well stocked refreshment stations enthusiastically manned by cheering supporters, most of whom were utilising the opportunity to raise funds for various charities.

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As well as SPAR Lowveld DC the race relies upon many sponsors not least of whom are the land owners SAFCOL as well as Liqui Moly for the very popular bike wash that relieved all the bikes of the Sabie red mud that the overnight storms produced! Valencia, Named Sports Nutrition, Soapreme, Rudamans, Westvaal Numbi Ford, VTC, Marula Oils and B Sure all added their support to make the 2021 edition a fun and memorable race for all involved.

For 2022 the Sabie Xperience will return to its traditional date of 30^th April to the 2^nd May and will no doubt build once more on its reputation as the most fun, friendly and affordable stage race on the calendar.

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Many local riders took the opportunity to enjoy this years event and even climbed up onto the podiums, whilst the Hashtag Racing duo of Lotter and Frattarolli took the overall honors in the Team Lite race local team Spar Lowveld’s Morne Jacobs and Herman Van der Westhuizen rode in second with Team Lowveld Tractors Alwyn Malan and Henk Bezuidenhout in third.

In the mixed the top two teams were local with the Severnf Racing pair of Herman and Marita Raath first and the Beauty and the Beast pair of Martin Van Ghent and Carin Gouws second, the Williams team of Dennis and Marisa rounded out the podium.

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The Womens category was dominated by the Liqui Moly duo of Yolandi and Melicia Labuschagne, with The Rapstrapz Girls of Suzanne Rogers and Nicolle van der Greft just ahead of Pink Tonic with Helena Coutzer and Petra Basson.

In the Solo challenge Alan Gordon defended his 2020 title in style leading local Giles Fourie and Donovan Roscoe, second and third, over the line.

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The ladies race was blitzed by Theresa Ralph with Annerie Van Velden second and local legend Vivienne Turvey in third.

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