After several months of hard work preparing the trails, PwC Great Zuurberg Trek route director Rob Hayter says riders will face an interesting time when they tackle one of the Eastern Cape’s premier mountain bike events next month.
In setting up the route for the race from May 26 to 28, Hayter said they felt they had a good mix to test entrants of all levels.
Starting at the Zuurberg Mountain Village near Port Elizabeth, the stages will take in parts of the Addo National Elephant Park, while also exposing riders to the rugged Karoo terrain.
He added that they had not altered the course much and had only made minor changes in certain sections.
Riders in the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek will face a variety of challenges when the three-stage mountain bike race takes place near Port Elizabeth in May. Photo: Warren Elsom
With day two looming as the queen stage, Hayter said competitors would need to ride smartly on the 82km leg, which included three major climbs.
“However, I still feel riders will enjoy the experience, with some of the best views of the race,” said Hayter.
“From the top of the mountain ridges to the south they will look back towards the Indian Ocean and in the north over the Karoo as far as the eye can see.”
The PwC Great Zuurberg Trek will open with a 67km stage, starting at the Zuurberg Mountain Village. A 10km stretch along a gravel road will give a chance for the field to spread before entering the Addo Elephant National Park.
“Following the opening section, the next 15km down to and through the riverbed and the single-track under yellowwood tree canopies will be some of the best trails you can experience.”
The stage will finish with an 8km ascent back to the Zuurberg hotel, the same climb which will feature on the final stage.
Although day three will cover only 50km, Hayter said nobody should think it would be easy.
“The start is a bit of a climb just to spread the riders before everyone descends into the valleys below on some of the best single-track you will find.
“But even at a distance of only 50km the amount of single-track will test everyone’s ability and endurance.
“I feel we have managed a good balance between some tough and technical sections which will test the best, while also catering for the next tier of riders,” said Hayter.
