Avid mountain bikers have until Tuesday to secure one of just 20 remaining team spots for the inaugural Liberty Cape Winelands MTB Encounter.
The five-star stage race will take an exclusive peloton of only 75 two-person teams through 175km of the Western Cape’s best mountain biking terrain in the vicinity of Franschoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington.
Mountain bikers will delight in an exclusive five-star experience when they take on the inaugural Liberty Cape Winelands MTB Encounter in the Boland from April 17 to 19. Photo: Jetline Action Photo
The three-stage event starts in Stellenbosch on April 17 and gives riders the chance to explore the scenic and historic towns and wineries.
Event director Johan Kriegler said riders could expect to be surrounded by the spectacular Boland mountains and to experience top quality single-track trails.
“This area has the potential to add new and interesting trails every year and the combined competence and experience of the organisers is tops.”
The entry fee to what has been dubbed “South Africa’s most beautiful stage race” will also secure participants daily five-star meals at some of the region’s top establishments.
“Lanzerac, Lefranschhoek Hotel and Spa, Grand Dedale and Val du Charon are exceptional and settled in the most beautiful surroundings,” said Kriegler.
He said the aim of this year’s event was to give a small number of riders the opportunity to experience a brilliant off-road concept, world-class hospitality and the chance to interact personally with the organisers, venue hosts and landowners.
“We hope to receive feedback on all aspects of the event so that we can take it to new heights and exceed riders’ expectations even further next year.”
Kriegler said that because the organisers, ASG and MTB Adventures, were mountain bikers themselves, they were perfectly positioned to present a superior event.
“We have made sure that the race is easily accessible from Cape Town Airport and major roads, and have organised fantastic amenities so that riders are able to relax in style after a fun endurance ride.”
He said the race was geared towards fit and competitive mountain bikers.
“Most riders should finish each stage by lunchtime. Their bodies will have a good workout before their souls are fed by the beauty and hospitality of the race venues.”
Registration takes place at the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa from 4pm to 6.30pm on April 16, followed by dinner and the race briefing from 7pm.
