Gauteng mountain bikers had until Monday evening to get their entries in for the testing new ultra marathon race and half-marathon that form part of the Bestmed Walkerville MTB Classic on Saturday, May 23.<\/p>\n
The 80km event, which is a full 20km longer than in previous years, is set to attract some of South Africa\u2019s top one-day racers as they kick off the first off-road leg of the Bestmed National Cycling Series.<\/p>
The series, which is the brainchild of ASG Events, includes a ranking and seeding system for mountain bikers and roadies alike.<\/p>\n
It will see riders compete for a cash prize plus additional product prizes.<\/p>
Former professional cyclist and SuperSport presenter Andrew Mclean, a staunch supporter of the Walkerville event, said the revised distance was a welcome innovation for competitive racers and those seeking more of an autumn challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe professionals, especially, are always looking for a slightly longer distance and here they get a real mountain bike event, as opposed to a road race on dirt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mclean said he was disappointed to be missing out on the first edition of the ultra-marathon, which has moved from its traditional July time slot.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has always been on my calendar as one of the proper mountain bike races up in Gauteng that I am able to do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also said what set Walkerville apart was the testing terrain.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not a perfectly manicured track or just dirt road, it has got a bit of everything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Route director Darren Herbst, a member of the ASG Events organising team, concurred.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough we were forced to look for a different route this year, it still has all the elements; long climbs, fast descents, dirt roads, jeep track and a flowing single-track. \u201cThe route is fast, challenging and new.\u201d<\/p>\n
Herbst said the notorious Platberg climb would not form part of this year\u2019s race but said the extra distance and new, undulating trails more than made up for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe elevation and terrain were carefully considered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe we have got a solid base to work from and hope all the changes make a positive difference to this amazing race,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Entries were limited to 1 400 riders.<\/p>\n
Aside from the 80km feature race, the line-up of events includes the more accessible 35km distance, a10km family ride and a 5km children\u2019s race for six to eight-year-olds.<\/p>\n
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