Events

New venue for Stellenbosch MTB Challenge

Supplied by Dirtopia.

· By Press Office · 0 comments

The 13th edition of the Stellenbosch MTB Challenge on 29 July, takes a break from the annual 6 route format and focuses on fun and family with 2 route options launching from our new venue at Spier Wine Estate!

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As one of the premier venues in South Africa, Spier Wine Estate needs no introduction and has loads on offer for riders and spectators alike with wonderful food, wine, and beautiful scenery to wow the senses. The two routes chosen for this year’s challenge compliments the venue and offering perfectly. To add to the fun, a new trail run will be hosted on Saturday, 28 July to create the perfect winelands outdoor weekend.

Entries are open for the mountain bike event with a 22km and a 50km to start from 8 am in various start groups. As there are fewer distance options, entries will be limited to 2000 riders, to give outdoor enthusiasts the ultimate experience. The picturesque routes will cater for beginner to intermediate riders in keeping with this year’s theme of having fun outside with friends & family.

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Well-known route designer, Meurant Botha of Dirtopia, was involved in mountain bike routes & events at Spier since the late nineties knows the area well. “This year we’ll focus on the fun take for mountain bikers and even beginners and the younger crowd can enjoy this stunning area of Stellenbosch. We wanted to take a break from the annual format to give us enough time to develop a new rider offering for 2019. That said, the Spier venue and route offerings are sure to be very popular and we’re sure that it has the potential to grow into a stand-alone weekend. ” says Botha.

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Route descriptions:

The 22km is the perfect beginners route with under 300m of climbing on mostly open dirt roads and tracks. The route follows 70% of the standard annual 30km challenge route and riders can expect a fast course.

There is one waterpoint just after midway stocked with water, Powerade and Coke, as well as fruits and a basic bike workshop.
You’ll ride through vineyards orchards and large stretches of fynbos and can expect beautiful views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains.

The 50km mirrors the 2017 route with of course the exclusion of the town based route sections. To make up for these excluded sections we are adding routing on the southwestern side of the course, including more riding in the Vlaeberg area. To the best of our knowledge, these additional routes have never been used in a mountain event before. It is in the Vlaeberg area that riders will reach the first of 3 water stations at 20km, after quite a few rolling hills that are sure to be the cause of some thirst. The Stellenbosch Hills farms will ensure for a festive stop with wine tasting planned, among other treats. The views from the 1st half of the course are stunning with wide vistas of the Western Cape on offer.

After the 2nd stop in the Polkadraai area, riders descend back to Vlottenburg and Spier for the final 15km of flatter riding. A final water station with around 10km to go means that there is ample support on route for those that are a little more challenged on the day.
With around 800m of climbing the route can be considered as fairly easy and non-technical.

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Riders can expect well-stocked refreshment stations, technical support on route and of course all finishers get a special commemorative medal. At the finish carnival there will be kids entertainment, food & drink, and a lucky draw with loads of prizes, including a Giant Bicycles mountain bike, to be won!

Entries will close by the 17th of July or as soon as the entry limit is reached. Note that each route has an entry cap. Order a unique once-off event long sleeve t-shirt or hoody with your entry.

This is a CSA Sanctioned event and CSA membership is required to start in the first starting group per distance. If you do not have CSA membership and would like to start in the first group, please contact CSA and get your membership before entering.

See website for route profiles and more information: www.stellenboschmtbchallenge.co.za

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DATE: Sunday, 29 July 2018
VENUE: Spier Wine Estate
TIME: 50km start at 08h00, 22km start at 08h40
DISTANCES:
  • 22km funride for children & novices.
  • 50km funride for intermediate

For more information, contact Dirtopia Trail Centre 0218844752 or info@dirtopia.co.za

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