Time to enter this legendary race is running out. Pre-entries for the 21st Barberton XCM Mountain Bike Challenge taking place on 28 January 2017 will close on Tuesday, 24 January.
Photo credit: Maryke Wasserman – Paperazzi Photography
The Barberton XCM is known to be one of the toughest, if not the toughest one day mountain bike races in the country – hence the slogan “Not as delicate as a daisy”. With a variety of landscapes and terrain, you are sure to get a bit of everything and a lot of mountains! The race, which attracts about 1,500 cyclists from different countries including the USA, the Netherlands, Namibia and Botswana, offers something for cyclist of all shapes and sizes. Though the race continues to grow it still manages to keep the feel of a small race with all the benefits of the bigger races such as prizes, water points and great route markers. You can enter the 21st annual Barberton XCM which takes place on 28 January 2017 now online at www.cycleevents.co.za.
What’s new?
With only a few Ultra marathons left in the country, this Ultra is seen by many to be the ultimate test, fitness, determination, mind power and that bib! Ultra marathon riders are in for a treat this year, that’s if you spent the festive season in the saddle. The organisers decided to treat the riders with 25% more elevation than the previous years, yes… that means that you will be climbing a 3,000m mountain – literally! The Ultra is not only for male cyclists, ladies (or should we say tough koekies) competing in the Elite category will also be able win prizes. Like if that isn’t enough, the President of the Barberton Rotary Club, George Pearse, was excited to announce that riders who pre entered the Ultra marathon will be able to take their Cape Epic training to the next level with a FREE pre ride on the Friday prior to the race (27 January) and a post ride on the Sunday following the race (29 January). More information regarding the rides is available on the website.
Photo credit: Maryke Wasserman – Paperazzi Photography
What about the rest of us?
If you are not on the Ultra rider level yet there is still a very delicate 20km and 30km and the not so delicate 48km and 77km – you choose. The Barberton Nursery School will host a Mini MTB Challenge for children between 2 and 12 years! Bring all the bikes – we are going to have some fun! You can enter all the races online, at www.cycleevents.co.za – pre-entries close on Tuesday, 24 January!
What’s more is that all riders who pre entered for the 110km, 77km, 45km and 30km will stand a chance to win R21,000 in CASH! Yes – all you need to do is pre-enter and be present at the prize giving – it’s our 21st birthday and we are celebrating it in style thanks to The Local Choice Pharmacy group, who is the main sponsor of this race. According to Jaco du Plessis, Managing Director of the Leading Pharmacy Group – The Local Choice, the group is looking forward to be part of another great event in the beautiful town of Barberton.
By supporting the race you are supporting charity, as all the monies raised are utilised for a variety of charity projects in and around Barberton – every little bit counts and helps someone in need.
