Entries still open for Mandela Day MTB Dash
The mountain bike races are part of the weekend of events that also include road running and a triathlon, all in honour of former President Nelson Mandela.
WHILE entries for the Mandela Day Marathon road running events closed last week, the entries for the MTB Dash are still flowing in nicely with a steady stream of riders signing up.
All the mountain bike events’ entries will only close on 23 August, three days before the races on Saturday, 26 August.
Riders have the choice of riding in memory of South Africa’s greatest icon in three different events – a serious 42km race for top level competitors, an intermediate 21km event for weekend warriors and part-time mountain bikers, or a 10km fun ride aimed at younger riders’ families and those who simply want some fun in the saddle.
The mountain bike races are part of the weekend of events that also include a road running marathon, half marathon, and 10km run, trail runs, a youth run and a triathlon, all in honour of former President Nelson Mandela.
With a healthy prize fund of R122 000 the mountain bike event offers what is believed to be the biggest prize money for a one-day classic MTB distance event and as such normally attracts a strong field of riders. Last year Alan Hatherly returned from competing at the Rio Olympics and in his first race back claimed the 2016 title.
All the Mandela Day MTB Dash events start and finish at the world famous capture site in Lions River. The routes offer riders a chance to tackle some of the best trails in KwaZulu-Natal.
Riders in the 42km and 21km mountainbike events will cross under the N3 and be able to enjoy the famous Howick trails which have been consistently rated among some of the best mountain bike riding in the country. Floros also takes the riders on single-tracks which are purpose cut for the event in the adjacent Lions River and Midmar forest areas.
More information on the various Mandela Day Marathon events can be found at www.mandeladaymarathon.org.za while entries and the MTB Dash information is at www.roag.co.za.
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