South African women will get their very own mountain bike stage race with the announcement of the first-ever Tour de Femme, which is set to take place in the Western Cape in 2016.
The inaugural Tour de Femme will take place in the Western Cape Winelands in 2016. The event is a ladies-only three mountain bike stage race .
Photo credit: SCOTT Sports/Markus Greber
This ladies-only race, which is the brainchild of Titanium Sports Events, will take riders on a three-day tour of the Cape Winelands region.
According to event organiser Jenni Green, the tour would be more of an escape than a race.
“We’re focusing on the whole experience. It’s a ‘me-time’ escape for women who love mountain biking, but with racing elements.”
Her colleague Jackie Lange said the concept would bring back the “soft touch” that was missing from many of the male-dominated races.
“While the mountain biking will be challenging, all the off-the-bike elements will be focussed on what women want, including a bike wash and lube station, mechanical support, quality, tasty food, great wine and plenty of comfortable social gathering points.”
Lange said the spoiling would continue with options for massages, manicures and pedicures.
“The Tour de Femme will be based at one location, creating a village-type atmosphere – not a tent in sight and no queues to use a loo or brushing your teeth with a headlight.”
Entries for the inaugural event will be limited and open to teams of two and solo riders. The entry fee includes two nights accommodation and all meals.
The first day will be a relaxed orientation stage, with skills training followed by a wine-tasting ride. The remaining two stages will be timed.
