Centralised at the Nederburg wine farm, the race village for the Varsity MTB Challenge will offer competitors a luxury experience when the mountain bike event takes place next month.
Taking place in Paarl on September 30 and October 1, the routes will start and finish at the race village, making it a much easier logistical exercise for the riders.
Although billed as the ultimate alumni challenge, it is also aimed at the general public, who can compete in two-man teams. Student teams will compete in a separate competition within the main event.
ASG Events managing director Wynand de Villiers said having a centralised race village would be a real bonus for the event.
Centralised at the Nederburg wine farm, the race village in the Varsity MTB Challenge will offer entrants a luxury off the bike experience when the event takes place in Paarl on September 30 and October 1. Photo: Supplied
“This will create much better experience. For example, you can park your car on the Friday and leave it in the same spot for the whole weekend, without having to go anywhere or arranging any transport.
“From an organisers’ point of view, this will allow us to concentrate in creating a special vibe and entertainment at one venue.”
The ASG boss added that they wanted to offer a “true off-road experience” for the entrants at the race, which is sponsored by First National Bank.
“What makes the Varsity MTB Challenge so special is that all the off the bike elements are really well looked after and it is good value for money.”
ASG operations manager Darren Herbst said the main accommodation option was two nights in a luxury tented village at Nederburg, a package of R2 800 for a team of two riders.
“This includes a luxury tent for Friday and Saturday evening as well as dinner on both evenings at Nederburg,” he said.
He said the Safari tents featured two comfortable single beds with mattresses, white linen, duvets and pillows, as well as bedside tables, electric lanterns, blankets, carpets, chairs and towels.
Herbst said other facilities available to the entrants would be a bike park and storage, bike wash, beer garden, wine-tasting, food stalls and a massage zone.
