The Tankwa Trek mountain bike race will enjoy International Cycling Union (UCI) status from 2017, organisers announced today.
The UCI grading will ensure the three-day event offers UCI ranking points to top finishers as well as more prize money. This is expected to attract South Africa’s best riders as well as an international field.
Long, steep climbs ensure that all three days of the Tankwa Trek are a formidable challenge, even for the most seasoned professionals. Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
“We intend to grow the Tankwa Trek each year in terms of its UCI status,” said co-founder Henco Rademeyer.
“It really is a hardcore racer’s event and we believe that we can take it all the way to the highest UCI grading. We will announce the prize money in January, but I can confirm that it will be significant.”
Former title sponsor, DUTOIT, a large fruit and vegetable producer in the Kouebokkeveld region, will still be a key partner of the event, after having helped it grow since its inception.
The women will once again be racing for the same prize money as the men. The intention is to boost the profile of the women’s category so that it starts to match the men’s in terms of big-name participants.
The Tankwa Trek will take place from February 10 to 12 next year.
