Sappi Scottburgh MTB set to kick-start spring

IT is out with the cold and in with the adventure for KwaZulu-Natal’s mountain biking community as the popular Scottburgh MTB race presented by Sappi waves winter goodbye and prepares to welcome in the warmth and freshness of spring on Sunday, August 31. Participants will compete in the 10km fun ride, 28km intermediate event and the 45km classic.

Previously staged over the weekend of the winter solstice, the South Coast cycling spectacle now finds itself nestled into its new time slot two months later and race organiser Flavio Scarpa believes it is the perfect way for cycling enthusiasts to clear away the cobwebs and get back outdoors.

With the South Coast journey taking riders through local sugar cane plantations, CrocWorld and the exciting single track stretches through Sappi’s Cannonbrae plantations, the speed of the course is a notable feature of the event.

“We haven’t changed the route too much over the years as we regularly receive very positive feedback from the participants. We have added a few new features in this time around, though, which we’re sure will make the ride even more enjoyable,” said Flavio.

Hotspot prizes will be up for grabs keeping the race interesting from start to finish.

There will also be a Halfway Toyota Kids’ Zone, where participants can leave their children in the care of Umkomaas Pre-school teachers.

The 2013 men’s defending champion, Evan van der Spuy, will have to be on top of his game if he is to become the first ever rider to successfully defend his title. Despite the change of conditions and season of the race, the Varsity College rider has included all these factors into his preparations for the event.

“There is a chance that it could be a little bit wetter and windier this time around which will make the race pretty interesting I’m sure,” said Evan, who feels the course plays into his hands.