The Hill2Hill mountain-bike race, which was supposed to take place this weekend, has been cancelled for 2018, the event organisers said in a statement.
Brendon Davids pictured after winning last year’s Hill2Hill mountain-bike race . Photo: Hill2Hill Facebook
The 100km race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban began in 2006 and it will not take place in its 13th year due to the lack of a title sponsor.
“Last year [2017] was the final time our title sponsors, Compendium Insurance Group, opted to partner with us [Hill2Hill] at the event,” the statement said.
“Immediately after the 2017 race Hill2Hill Events began the tough process of looking for new partners, but unfortunately that process has not been successful.
“It is with great sadness that we have to make the decision to cancel the event for 2018.
“We looked at various options, and after lots of debate and research we felt that the financial risk without a title sponsor was simply too great.
“We thank Compendium for their support over the past couple of years.”
The organisers gave the assurance that the event would not “die” completely. “As much as this notice is a major setback, we still believe there is a future for Hill2Hill and we believe a year’s hiatus will allow us to create a very special event in 2019,” they said.
“We have a few options and we will be sending out a survey to see what you the rider want, but we are leaning toward a two-day stage race with riders sorting out their own overnight accommodation.
“This will allow us to incorporate some special riding into the route – and the cancellation of the Dusi2c opens up the possibility of using sections of the Umgeni Valley – while also keeping the event affordable.”
Brendon Davids, who is currently representing South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, won last year’s event, with ultra-endurance specialist Jeannie Dreyer having won the women’s category.
