Entries for the 2016 edition of the popular Western Cape mountain bike stage race, the Gravel & Grape MTB Challenge, have opened.
Competitors in the 2015 Gravel & Grape hurtle through vineyards in the Breedekloof Valley on their way to the finish at the Goudini Spa
Along with improvements to the track of this three-day event, taking place 6-8 May, organisers have introduced the Gravel and Grape Lite – an easier two-day event over shorter distances aimed at younger and less experienced riders.
All the stages of both events start and finish at the ATKV Goudini Spa and place in the Breedekloof Wine Valley, which includes Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breerivier.
Stage one of the main race covers 77km of the local countryside over a 1 300m vesrtical ascent. Stage two is 62km and Stage three’s final loop takes riders through 68km, with both stages climbing about 1 100m. Each stage features different characteristics of the region – from rocky, rugged terrain to lush and easy flowing tracks.
The shorter Lite route’s first stage covers 35km, with a total ascent of 400m, while stage two is 25km, with a total climb of 450m.
The inaugural race took place earlier this year, with pro riders Waylon Woolcock and Adriaan Louw taking the men’s race title. They were followed by the team of Renay Groustra and Jurgens Uys.
“We will definitely return. It’s a great event to sharpen up the legs after the post-Cape Epic break, and a chance to get some quality tough mountain biking under the belt.”
Women’s race winner Heléne Rabie, along with her team mate Stephne van Niekerk, said she is keen to return next year after the great time she had this year.
“We were blessed with the most amazing weather on all three days, beautiful scenery, nice single tracks, good hills – a wide variety for every kind of rider’s preferences,” said Rabie.
Host Goudini Spa will offer a family programme of events and activities to keep everyone entertained during the weekend.
“We want Gravel & Grape to be a true family experience, which is why we have based our race village at the hot water resort. By including a Gravel & Grape Lite race, we can truly cater for the whole family as this opens the race up to school children as well,” says Melody Botha, CEO of Breedekloof Wine & Tourism.
