[Event] 2026 Songo.info Champions Race

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Event Name: 2026 Songo.info Champions Race
When: 11/03/2026
Where: Kayamandi Sports Fields, Western Cape
Category: Mountain Bike

Join us for the 2026 Songo.info Champions Race!

In March we host the 12th annual Songo.info Champions Race in Kayamandi, a vibrant township on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. The short-track cross-country course races through the streets of Kayamandi, barreling onto the Songo.info BMX track and past the heart of our education and sports program, the Songo.info clubhouse.

The Songo.info Champions Race is a unique cultural event and an opportunity to experience life in a South African township in a safe and fun way. Local and international riders and fans share in the thrill of short, high-octane racing while giving back to the Kayamandi community. Past podium placers include Christoph Sauser, Jaroslav Kulhavý, Matt Beers, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, Luke Moir, Annika Langvad, Alan Hatherly, Kate Courtney, Tom Pidcock, Flora Duffy, Nino Schurter and Anna van der Breggen!

This unique short-track mountain bike race allows both amateur and the world’s top professional riders a chance to stretch their legs (and measure the competition!) before the Absa Cape Epic Prologue start on Sunday, 15 March in Meerendal.

Riders showcase their speed and skill with some fun friendly racing, while raising awareness around the important work Songo.info does in education and cycling development in the heartland of the Absa Cape Epic.

Race Programme, Wednesday 11 March:

3-3.45pm: Course opens for practice

4pm: Open/public Champions Race

4.30pm: E-MTB Champions Race

5pm: Elite riders' practice

5.30pm: Elite Women's Champions Race

6pm: Elite Men's Champions Race

6.30pm: Prizegiving

Cost: R350 per rider

Format: Course is ~2.5km. All races are 20 minutes + 1 lap.

Security officers and course marshals will be on site to ensure riders and spectators' safety.

Secure parking is available on the Kayamandi Sports Fields.

Go to Event Page.

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A quick update on our Pro start list:

Elite Men: 
Luke Moir
Mark Pritzen
Michael Foster
Lachlan Moreton
Andrew L'Esperance
Matt Beers
Unathi Nxumalo
Damon Terblanche
Thabiso Zindela
Sam Gaze
Simon Andreasson
Felix Stehli
Andrin Beeli
Inus du Preez
Ryno Owen
Christoph Sauser
Craig Uria
Erik Kleinhans

Elite Women:
Kate Courtney
Melisa Rollins
Faranak Partoazar
Lejla Njemčević
Margot Moschetti
Hayley Preen
Haley Smith
Andrea Schöfmann
Sam Sanders
Jenny Rissveds
Vera Looser
Rosa van Doorn

The E-MTB field is also looking stacked.

And so far, the Open/amateur Race at 4pm will have local Junior pinners Tristan McGiven, Sven Etsebeth and William Ruthven headlining.

Come and ride (Open /amateur category at 4pm and an E-MTB category at 4.30pm) or come and watch.

Just make sure you get there! It's a vibe.