Tulbagh set for 2017 Nissan Trailseeker Series opener

The popular Nissan TrailSeeker mountain bike series, best known for offering high quality events that cater for all levels of rider in the greater Cape Town region, will visit the Boland town of Tulbagh for Round 1 of the four-race 2017 series on Saturday.

This will be the first time the Nissan TrailSeeker Series visits Tulbagh, but the town is by no means new to mountain biking. A number of memorable Absa Cape Epic stages have played out in the mountain trails around Tulbagh over the years. The town has also hosted a few rounds of the annual Ashburton Investments National Series.

Riders will enjoy the scenic trails of Tulbagh surrounded by the Witzenberg and Winterhoek mountain ranges at this weekends Nissan TrailSeeker Western Cape Series. Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za

The start and finish will be at Saronsberg Wine Cellar and riders can expect four different events, in keeping with the Nissan TrailSeeker Series commitment to catering for all ages and fitness levels. In the 71km marathon, there’s a total elevation gain of 1216metres, most of this coming in the first half. The 43km half-marathon includes 695m of total ascent, with only one long climb early on. There’s also a 18km Fun Race and a 8km Fun Ride.

Tulbagh is approximately a one-hour drive from Cape Town. The historical town is situated in the valley between the Witzenberg and Winterhoek mountain ranges and boasts picturesque views of mountains, orchards, vineyards and olive groves.

The Nissan TrailSeeker Series offers equal prize money to men and women in both the marathon and half-marathon events. The top three women in the marathon category at the 2016 series were Katie Lennard, Carmen Buchacher and Michelle Lombardi, while the top three men were Adriaan Louw, Charl-Pierre Esterhyse and Justin Tuck, all of whom are expected to challenge for 2017 Nissan TrailSeeker Series podium honours.

The half-marathon is the ideal event for young riders to sharpen their racing skills, with higher prize money paid to the large, competitive Junior category. Last year, Robert Hobson (Junior), Jamie Penfold (Youth) and Daniel van der Walt (Youth) were the top three points-scorers overall in the male division, while Courteney Webb (Junior), Alison Morton (Junior) and Mia de Villiers (Youth) were the top three females.

Riders will enjoy the scenic trails of Tulbagh surrounded by the Witzenberg and Winterhoek mountain ranges at this weekends Nissan TrailSeeker Western Cape Series. Photo Credit: www.zcmc.co.za

“The Nissan TrailSeeker Series events are designed to offer all mountain bikers safe, well-marked, marshalled routes so that they can compete with confidence for podium places or just against their friends. This is the third year the Series will be held in the Western Cape, which offers a range of exciting race venues,” said Wessel van der Walt of Advendurance, the Series organisers.

“Because the events usually take place outside the major cities, we cater exceptionally well for non-riding family and friends that want to enjoy the day out with the mountain bikers in their lives. Our Nissan TrailSeeker Series events are famous for the chill zone at the start/finish venues and we’re expecting another good turnout at the Tulbagh event on Saturday,” added Van der Walt.

Entries are still open and can be done online at www.trailseekerseries.co.za.