The TransCape MTB race organisers will unveil a new single-track section when the Greyton Black route comes into play in the multi-stage race beginning on Sunday.
Route director Wayne Collett said the TransCape would be the first to use “this spectacular new section”, which has been developed on the stretch between Greyton and Genadendal in stage six.
“It is destined to become one of the best single-track sections in the country,” said Collett as he assessed the stages for the seven-day, 650km journey from Knysna to Franschhoek.
Riders will face plenty of interesting challenges in the TransCape mountain bike race, particularly the new Greyton Black single-track section on stage six. Photo: Jacques Marais
He added, though, that riders would need to be ready for a thorough examination of their technical skills over the 5km segment.
What used to take riders five minutes to complete, will now take them up to 45 minutes, he added.
“This one is up in the hills and you need to know what you are doing.”
While Collett and his team have introduced a number of changes to this year’s route, he said the Greyton Black single-track was the most significant addition.
Besides the Greyton Black, Collett said there would be plenty to capture the riders’ attention during the seven days, naturally identifying the queen stage on the second day as one of the biggest challenges.
“Firstly, it’s the distance of 135km and secondly it is the stage with the most climbing.
“There is over 2 000m of ascent, including one of the bigger climbs on the TransCape in the Montagu Pass, which comes at the beginning.”
Collett said a third significant factor would be the heat and he warned riders to ensure they were always properly hydrated.
He added that heat was something the riders would have to cope with throughout the event as it could rise to above 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Collett said he did not think the wind would play that big a factor in a mountain biking event, although he added things could get tricky on the feature climb of the race at Groenlandberg.
This comes on the seventh and final stage and provides the riders with the biggest ascent of the TransCape, which is presented by ASG Events.
“Coming on the last day, Groenlandberg always has a say in what happens. Because of its height, you can have a strong wind at the top and that will test you on the descent.”
Route:
Stage 1 – Knysna to Wilderness (80km)
Stage 2 – George to Van Wyksdorp (135km)
Stage 3 – Van Wyksdorp to Riversdal (81km)
Stage 4 – Riversdal to Swellendam (103km)
Stage 5 – Swellendam to Greyton (112km)
Stage 6 – Greyton to Villiersdorp (68km)
Stage 7 – Villiersdorp to Franschhoek (78km)
