An enjoyable yet technical challenge is on the cards for the 2018 TransCape mountain bike race which Cape Epic route designer Pieter van Wyk will oversee.
Although the route would remain largely unchanged, many of the alterations would be based on feedback from ASG Events chief executive Wynand de Villiers, said Van Wyk.
“Wynand took part in the event this year and I will base my route alterations on his feedback.”
The Cape Epic route designer said De Villiers had a number of ideas which he hoped to see implemented.
The route of next year’s TransCape, driven by Volvo Cars South Africa, will feature less district roads and more single-track. Photo: Jacques Marais
“What we want to do is make the race a lot more fun for the riders by getting them onto more farm roads and some single-track” said Van Wyk.
“Some of the ways we can do this is by taking out those long stretches of district roads, shortening some of the stages and making them easier, but adding a number of technical elements.
“The main route has already been planned. It’s purely a case of finalising the smaller details and adding the finishing touches.”
Previously riders passed along a number of open district roads and Van Wyk said they hoped to change this for the 2018 event.
According to him, his plan would be to create easy-flowing tracks throughout that would be enjoyable rather than overly technical.
“The aim is to encourage more professionals to take part and my objective is not only to satisfy their needs, but to ensure the majority of riders are catered for as well.”
The seven-day event, driven by Volvo Cars South Africa, will take riders on a scenic 614km journey between Knysna and Franschhoek in the Western Cape from February 4 to 10.
The route will visit many of the same towns as in the past, but Van Wyk said only the most scenic and memorable elements would remain.
“The race will pass through more or less the same towns as in previous years, but one major change is that Van Wyksdorp will fall away.
“The sea-side of the mountain provides far nicer riding opportunities with more trails so we’ll aim to keep riders out of the Karoo area.
“Another change will come towards the end of the race. From Greyton, the route will head towards the Houw Hoek Inn near Grabouw rather than Villiersdorp.”
He said the overall plan would be to make the race “fun and doable” for the average person.
“We will aim to make it a nice mountain biking experience for everyone rather than test them to their limits.”
