Following the success of last year’s inaugural ROAG Series powered by Quattro, ROAG promise that this year is going to be even bigger and better.
Earlier this year, the races that form part of the 2013 ROAG Series powered by Quattro were released to the public to great excitement. Including three of the provinces largest events – The Sunday Tribune Jeep Hill 2 Hill, the Karkloof Classic MTB Festival and the 4ever Cycles MTB Classic – the Series includes six of the largest ROAG-administered races, as well as three wild card events.
Kicking off the 2013 ROAG Series powered by Quattro on February 23 is the 4ever Cycles Wartburg MTB Classic on February 23.
The race – in its ninth year – is expecting an increase in cyclists on the track, who will be handled by a combination of batching and multi-tracking.
“All our single-tracks have two (or in some cases three) track options, which intensifies that ‘race-your-mate’ feeling, but dissipates the cycle traffic effectively. Also, being a part of the ROAG Series again this year, we believe the popularity of the race will be boosted further still,” said Event Organiser Antony Jarvie, he added that all pre-entries are done through ROAG, and once the races cut-off numbers are reached, there will be no further entries on the day for the premier events.
The race is introducing a 62km marathon option, in addition to the traditional 45km Classic. For the enthusiasts, there is a 25km MTB ride and a 10km Fun ride, for trail runners who enjoy cool forest track, there is a 10km trail run that can be run on its own or combined with the 25km MTB ride for the Multisport option.
Andrew Hill (2012 overall men’s winner)
Photo: supplied
Overall Men’s winner in the 2012 edition of the ROAG Series, Andrew Hill said: “I didn’t race the route last year but I’m really keen to have go at the new 60km format on offer, said Hill when asked about his decision to race the 2013 event. “I think more and more people are looking at training for the upcoming Epic or Joberg2c and the 60km gives them a slightly longer route to put in the critical time in the saddle.”
When asked about this year’s Series competition Hill said, “ There is always a great pool of riders coming through the junior ranks to keep the bar set high and its going to be a good hard season of racing at the front of the group with a number of guys who can challenge for a podium.”
“The ROAG Series has raised the profile of KZN Mountain biking and hopefully continue to do so for the next couple of years,” replied Hill when asked about a major benefit of the ROAG Series.
For a full route description and more details regarding the event, visit www.wartburg.co.za.
“There will be lots of food and other refreshments on sale, a Kafeestubbe with homemade cakes, a craft market and a Kiddies entertainment area with baby-sitting facilities available. So, join us for a great day out for the whole family, whether you are a cyclist or not!” Jarvie said.
Nicole Talbot, Business Manager for ROAG said: “Prize money for the overall man and women is a whopping R20 000, thanks to our Overall sponsors, Quattro. Second and third places will also be rewarded. Age category prize money is still to be confirmed – watch this space!”
Natalie Bergstrom (2012 overall women’s winner)
Photo: supplied
The races that form part of the 2013 ROAG Series are:
4ever Cycles Wartburg MTB Classic
23 February 2013
Wartburg Kirchdorf School
Karkloof Classic MTB Festival
20 – 21 April 2013
Karkloof Country Club
Compendium Derby
26 May 2013
Shongweni Polo Club
Safire Baynesfield MTB Classic
16 June 2013
Baynesfield Estate
Sardine Classic
30 June 2013
Port Edward
Tour de Krantz
10 August 2013
Harburg
Sunday Tribune Jeep Hill 2 Hill
14 – 15 September
Shongweni Polo Club
Gears 4 Ears MTB
27 October 2013
Holla Trails
Complimed Mountain Splendour
15 – 17 November 2013
Central Berg
Does anyone know how the guy who fell at 14km on the 45 is doing?