Another memorable, family focused day of mountain biking action in the KZN Midlands awaits participants of the 2016 Illovo Eston MTB Challenge which takes place at Eston Farmers’ Club on Sunday 7 August.
A great family focused day in the saddle is set to be enjoyed by thousands of cycling enthusiasts when the 2016 Illovo Eston MTB Challenge takes place on Sunday, 7 August. Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media
With four events to choose from, the 60km Illovo Eston Marathon, 40km aQuellé Eston Half Marathon, 18km STIHL Tala Family Ride and 10km Omnia Kids Ride offer cycling adventurers of all ages and abilities a slice of the renowned event’s festivities.
Up front, some of the province’s top racing snakes are once again expected to go head-to-head throughout the 60km course for the overall race spoils however further back in the field, tomorrow’s stars and their parents will be enjoying their time outdoors, a major focus for one of the country’s most prestigious one day events.
As such, organisers have gone out of their way to add to the family nature of the event and, through the generous support of title sponsors, Illovo Sugar, have maintained the same entry fees as were charged in 2015.
Spectacular views and magnificent scenery await participants of the 2016 Illovo Eston MTB Challenge on Sunday, 7 August. Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media
A healthy 15% family discount to all entries of four or more riders – excluding CSA day licenses – will also aid in making the family day out an affordable one.
Those interested in taking on this year’s challenge are encouraged to get their entry in online via www.roag.co.za before normal entries close on Sunday, 31 July, especially with 60km and 40km fields limited to 800 riders each.
Doing so will also see the first 1750 entrants receive a complimentary race item; 60km and 40km pre-entrants receiving a long sleeve, moisture management race garment while 18km pre-entrants will enjoy a limited edition race cap.
A journey through the magnificent Tala Game Reserve always serves as a major draw card for the event’s 18km participants as riders soak up the rare opportunity to cycle through the region’s wildlife under the safety of the watchful rangers’ eyes.
Situated halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, Eston presents the ideal opportunity for those of both of the province’s cycling hubs to enjoy a memorable day in the saddle without having to travel far at all.
For those from a little further out of town, or set to make the journey to the Kingdom of the Zulu from outside of the province, the plethora of local bed and breakfasts provide a wide variety of accommodation options while the Eston Farmers’ Club also offer camping facilities for the weekend.
The 2016 Illovo Eston MTB Challenge takes place on Sunday, 7 August. Entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za and more information can be found at www.illovoestonmtb.co.za.
