With the all-inclusive package almost sold out, the Liberty Winelands Encounter is again proving to be a popular attraction for mountain bikers in South Africa.
Part of the Encounter series, which includes the TransCape and Waterberg, the three-day event takes place in the Cape Winelands from April 13 to 15.
Excited about staging one of the country’s premier mountain bike stage races, ASG Events acting chief executive Fritz Pienaar said they wanted to make it the best experience they could for the competitors.
“They will experience some awesome trails in one of the most popular mountain-biking regions in the country, with three days of riding which are not as difficult as many other stage races,” he said.
Cyclists will face a variety of challenges when the Liberty Winelands Encounter takes place in the Western Cape from April 13 to 15. Photo: Ewald Sadie
He added that they wanted to attract as many amateur riders as possible, providing a package with an element of luxury at good value.
“We believe it is the perfect event for couples and corporate teams.
“For only R12 100 for a team of two you ride some of the best trails in the country and enjoy two nights’ accommodation at the luxurious, four-star Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa.
“All meals are included, plus a Winelands-branded Italian Ftech cycling shirt and a long sleeve shirt, as well as HIGH5 products, valued at over R2 000 per entrant.”
Pienaar added that there were still places available in the basic package, which excludes accommodation.
Route designer Johan Kriegler said they were fine-tuning the routes to ensure they suited riders across the board.
“For example, we have changed the starting venue for stage one, which used to be in Stellenbsoch,” he said.
“However, we found it was quite tough as it included the Botmaskop climb and the switchback climbs were too technical for the average Liberty Winelands rider.”
