Race organisers ASG Events are preparing for another big entry for the Liberty Winelands Encounter when the popular mountain-bike race takes place in mid-April.
After being sold out last year, ASG Events chief executive Erick Oosthuizen said the race from April 12-14 was again expected to attract a capacity 200 teams.
Starting in Boschendal, the race will expose riders to the scenic trails of the Cape Winelands around Franschhoek and Paarl.
It is the second leg of the annual Liberty Encounter Series, which includes the TransCape MTB Encounter, currently in progress, and the Waterberg Encounter in June.
“We believe the bulk of the riders will show a big interest in the next month as the previous four years were no different,” said Oosthuizen.
Competitors will experience some of the most scenic trails in the Cape Winelands when the Liberty Winelands Encounter takes place from April 12 to 14. Photo: Robert Ward
He said their focus for the three-day race was to provide an event with the emphasis on quality, while ensuring it remained within an affordable bracket.
“There are two options and both offer something of value.
“The most popular category is the LeFranschhoek Hotel and Spa, which can accommodate 80 teams.
“The other option is an entry with lunch and dinner included at 60% of the full accommodation category, which makes it excellent value for money.”
Besides the weekend warriors drawn by the iconic trails of the Cape Winelands, Oosthuizen said it was the perfect getaway for corporates.
“I think it’s quickly becoming a must-do event, because not everyone can take the leave needed for a long race.
“But an event from Friday to Sunday is the perfect length for many mountain-bikers and we feel we have a unique offering.”
Oosthuizen said competitors would face stages of around 50km each day, with about 1 000m of climbing.
