SA’s biggest MTB Festival attracts Epic stars

[Matt]

Howick – The biggest mountain biking festival in the country received a major boost recently when local MTB stars David George and Kevin Evans of Team 360Life confirmed their entries into this year’s Mr Price Karkloof Classic, the main event of the Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival which gets underway on Friday evening.

 

Having suffered another unfortunate run during this year’s ABSA Cape Epic whereby technical difficulties once again impacted heavily on their ability to challenge for the overall title the pair put in a phenomenal charge to claim second place overall as well as being the first South African pair across the line.

 

The duo’s presence at the event reinforces the strength and quality that the Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival has achieved in recent years.

 

2011 runner-up David George and fellow 360Life ABSA Cape Epic team mate Kevin Evans have both confirmed their entries for this year's Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival

Actionphoto/ Gameplan Media

 

“We’re obviously delighted to see that both Kevin and David will be with us this year. They are two phenomenal riders who put in a really good effort at this year’s Epic and I’m sure they will bring some great form with them to our race this year,” said race director Stu Berry.

 

The race received further good news when Cycling South Africa recently announced it would be one of four events nationally to be used for selection of the South African cross country marathon team which will take part in the world cross country marathon championships in Ornans, France later this year.

 

“This is obviously huge for us,” said Berry. “It shows our event is held in high regard by key role players within the cycling fraternity and is a huge feather in our caps!”

 

“We’re excited to have the Karkloof Classic on board as one of our selection events this year. It is a well-established event which generally attracts a large proportion of the top riders already and has a good challenging course so it should be a great selection venue,” added Cycling South Africa’s Convenor of Selectors - MTB, Grevile Ruddock.

 

Whilst racing at the front promises to be electric the event, which is one of the oldest MTB races in the country as it approaches its twentieth year of existence, also gives MTB enthusiasts of all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the pristine trails of the Karkloof area.

 

Organisers of this year’s event have once again put together a mouth-watering schedule which promises to keep each and every participant well entertained throughout the three day affair.

 

“Things are all well on track for yet another fantastic Mr Price Karkloof Classic Mountain Bike Festival. Each year we get between three and four thousand riders and this year’s pre-entries have been flying in so we’re well on track for another huge turnout,” said Berry.

 

“Sunday’s Classic is obviously the biggest draw card and especially with its recent inclusion on the selection calendar but there are a host of other activities on the go throughout the weekend which have something for everyone.”

 

“Just one of the exciting aspects of this year’s programme is Saturday’s enduro. Enduro racing is pretty big in Europe but is still very new to our local riders so this really is a great opportunity for our guys to come get a feel for what it’s all about and try their hand at something completely fresh,” he added.

 

A key focus of the Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival is the inclusion of all members of the family as well as the unique opportunity the event gives riders to experience the trails Karkloof’s full time track building team have carefully constructed over the years.

 

“The fact that there is a team based here full time that cut and maintain these incredible tracks really is something special,” said Berry.

 

“This also wouldn’t be possible without the support of Sappi who have been absolutely amazing over the years by opening up their land to our riders, not only for the event by year round as well which is something we’re extremely grateful for,” he added.

 

The Karkloof Classic MTB Festival gets underway on Friday evening with the Peri Night Race, with Saturday seeing the STIHL Karkloof Enduro and STIHL KZN MTB Schools Lap Race taking place and the Mr Price Karkloof Classic, aQuellé 40km Half Marathon, aQuellé 20km Family Ride and aQuellé 10km Kids Ride all happening on Sunday 22 April. More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

 

Renay Groustra tackles last year's Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival course.

Actionphoto/ Gameplan Media

 

Prominent junior Luke Roberts in charge during last year's Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival.

Actionphoto/ Gameplan Media

 

Caitlin de Wet was one of many who enjoyed the unique atmosphere of last year's Mr Price Karkloof Classic MTB Festival's Peri Night Race.

Actionphoto/ Gameplan Media

 

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