Juniors get to join Glacier Cradle Traverse

Young riders will this year be able to join in the thrill of April’s Glacier Cradle Traverse in the Cradle of Humankind and compete in the final stage of this popular three-day mountain bike stage race.

After a highly successful debut last year, the 2018 Glacier Cradle Traverse has added a school race and fun ride to this year’s event, which will take place at the Avianto Lifestyle Estate from April 6 to 8.

Young riders over the age of eight will ride their own 10km route during Sunday’s final stage with their R100 entry fee going towards the series’ Save the Rhino campaign.

Another new element at the Glacier Cradle Traverse is the introduction of a two-day weekend package option for Johannesburg cyclists who are unable to take Friday off.

Last year’s inaugural Glacier Cradle Traverse received positive feedback from social and elite riders and it has fast become the pacesetter for stage racing in Gauteng.

“It’s a world-class event. In a year or two this event is going to be sold out,” said leading cyclist Andrew McLean after competing in the inaugural race last year and finishing second.

“I live in the area and I was pleasantly surprised with the trails. I learned lots of new trails myself.”

Dan Fowler, who together with Andrew Stockwell as part of Team Continental won last year’s race, said the wildlife on the route was a particular attraction for them.

“We saw a lot of great wildlife. Normally, when you’re riding your bike as hard as we do, you don’t get to see the animals, but we saw plenty.

“I liked the format of this race, having a shorter stage that allows for more of the young up-and-coming riders to participate and even compete with some of the elite guys.

“I think the beauty for many social riders is that you don’t need to train for four or five hours a day to compete in a race like this. You can train less and actually come and have fun.”

Richard Beswick, a former professional cyclist and now route director for the Glacier Cradle Traverse, believes the event has found a real niche in Gauteng.

“Most of the country’s cyclists come from Gauteng, yet they all want to travel around the country to ride when we have so much diversity right here in terms of this venue. I don’t think it will be too long before this race really starts to take off.”