One of South Africa’s longest running stage races took place in Sabie over the weekend, showing that despite many obstacles, you cannot keep a great event down.

For 2022, the organisers injected new life into the event to make it not only one of the best mountain biking experiences on the race calendar, but a real local festival with market stalls and live music.

Title sponsors SPAR and Liqui Moly fully committed to the new concept as a showcase for local business and artists, and even the children got involved with a “colour run” cycle race.

Year on year, the Sabie Xperience has given back to the community, and 2022 was no different, with local charities benefiting from much-needed cash donations. Add that to the increased tourism and it is a win-win situation for the town of Sabie.

The race itself consisted of team and solo events, with two levels of distance over three days (Friday to Sunday).

The riders got to experience some of the most beautiful, exciting and challenging trails in the country, from the expansive grasslands of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment-managed Hartebeesvlakte, the Komatiland forests and the famous York Trails single track.

A chilly start to each day ushered in perfect mountain bike weather with clear blue skies and views forever.

In the challenge team event, defending champions, Insect Science, consisting of Alan Gordon and Herman Fourie, held on for a clean sweep of stage wins ahead of the Last Minute.com duo of Willie van Eck and Nohan van Tonder. White River Manor/LGE/Midas’ Giles Fourie and Igna de Villiers took the last step of the podium.

The ladies’ race was dominated by the Efficient Insurance Infinity pair of Samantha Sanders and Theresa Ralph, with Liqui Moly 1’s Melicia and Yolandi Labuschagne a solid second, and the Soul Sista’s Madre Marx and Sasha Basson third.

In the solo challenge 15-year veteran Hennie Kriek celebrated the win with Chantel Rouhotas taking the ladies’ race.

In the lite event, defending champions Hashtag Racing’s Dewald Lotter and Mathew Frattaroli took the men’s title, with the Luckie Duckies duo Anke Rood and Lianke Fourie dominating the ladies.

Wihan Venter and Monique Fourie were the fastest solo riders over the lite distance.

2023 will see this legendary event grow with renewed vigour. Entries will open soon and no mountain biker should miss this unique opportunity to be part of something really special.