Mountain bikers have another opportunity to earn their stripes when they try to tame the Tyger Valley College Mountain Bike Challenge in Pretoria East on March 22.
The sixth edition, presented by new sponsor Sidi Online, will again burn bright as riders start and finish on the private school grounds off Lynnwood Road.
Route director Darren Herbst says the spectacular feature route, which heads out towards Donkerhoek and back, offers something for every rider – including hardy pros.
“I think its draw is that it’s really fast and flowing with some technical single-track sections. It’s really, really beautiful terrain.
“You’re crossing one or two streams, train tracks, purpose-built bridges and you’re going through culverts – all right here in Pretoria.”
The 70km route – which traverses a section of ASG’s Rosemary Hill mountain bike park – boasts a “breathtaking” elevation of over 1 400m, with a testing 670m of climbing.
Last year’s race was won by young Arno du Toit of the ASG MTB Academy team, who recently took his first national marathon series win at Dullstroom.
At Tyger Valley, he was followed home by veteran national marathon champion Andrew Mclean, with Julius Cobbett third.
The event also offers 40km and 20km distance options for social and family riders, with medals to all finishers.
“The response last year was so good and the riders enjoyed the routes so much that we’re trying to keep them the same as much as possible this year,” says Herbst.
Most of the changes and innovations will be found at the start-finish with lots more family entertainment and refreshment stalls on offer, he says.
“The great thing about this race is that the school is actively involved; the kids not only compete but also help out with marshalling and other activities.”
Participants can have their bikes washed by Red Hot Products, while DRSA/Global ASP will provide free wi-fi with their on-site technology rig.
Registration takes place from 10am to 4pm on March 20 at Cycle Lab Fourways and between the same times the following day at Bruce Reyneke Cycles.
Online entries will be seeded according to the SA Seeding system. Seeding and distance stickers will be available with race packs at registration.
Timing will be courtesy of Spectrum Sport and those riders who do not have permanent timing boards will be issued with temporary ones.
Enter at www.asgevents.co.za by March 16. For more information, e-mail eventsupport@asgworld.co.za or phone 076 621 1807.
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