Max Knox announced his return to the ever so popular Barberton XCM on 30 January. The Barberton Rotary Club hosted the first ever Ultra Marathon (120km) in South Africa in 2009 – the Barberton XCM mountain bike race. This was the first of many Ultra marathon titles that Knox won, not only in Barberton, but also in South Africa.
During his three Ultra marathon wins, he left only dust in the eyes of the other cyclists such as Kevin Evans, the very popular, world champion late Burry Stander, Mannie Heymans and Jacques Rossouw. Knox will attempt to win this title for a record 5th time on 30 January in the beautiful town of Barberton.
Though it will not be an easy win with some big names joining in on the fun from across the world, including countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Swaziland, Botswana and Namibia. Well known cyclists including Joel Stransky, Andrew Mclean and Henry Uys is also planning to spend some time in the saddle in Barberton.
This year will mark the Barberton Rotary Club’s 20th race. “It’s a great achievement for the Club, and we trust that we will continue with this race for at least the next 20 years!” George Pearse, Barberton Rotary Club President
Riders, supporters and spectators can look forward to a great day out – a big race with a small town feel! Bring your picnic blanket and umbrella and enjoy the day with us at the Barberton High School sports fields. Breaky buns, coffee and tea will be available from the early hours of the morning, with more delicious food stalls, drink stalls, music and even a Mini Mountain bike course.
The Barberton Nursery School will host a Mini mountain bike challenge for children aged between 2 – 12 years. According to the Principle, Gerda Coetzee, they trialled the idea in September during the launch of the Barberton XCM and they were overwhelmed by the response from the locals as well as all the giggles and anxious smiles on the kid’s and the parent’s faces. “Who knows, the next world champ mountain biker might be trained right here in Barberton”.
The Barberton Daisy is known worldwide, for the beautiful, delicate flower that it is, however, our slogan is not “Not as delicate as a daisy” for nothing…
Cyclists can choose between the easier (delicate) fun rides of 20km or 30km and the not so delicate and possibly one of the toughest half marathon routes in the country, the 48km, the 77km or the big 110km Ultra marathon through the Barberton mountains. Those who are familiar with the routes will be surprised with a few exciting changes and new additions.
Riders will enjoy a vast variety of landscapes and including the Macadamia orchids of Danroc, sugar cane, macadamia farm and bushveld like stretches of Jeddo Stoetery, the magnificent scenery of the Mountainlands Nature reserve, through the Sappi plantations and finally, just before you reach town, the beautiful Greenstone Wildlife Estate.
Pearse further reiterated that the race would not be possible without the hard work of the Barberton Rotarians, “It’s basically a full time job and the guys really go the extra mile to ensure that we deliver a race that we could be proud of. A great event and race is not possible without the athletes, locals and of course, the sponsors. The Local Choice Pharmacy and Coca Cola are the main sponsors of 2016. Ultimately every cent that we make with this race goes towards the Rotary’s charity projects. Having fun, catching a tan, exercising and socialising all in the name of charity, sounds like a good deal to me.” Pearse is quoted as saying.
Make sure you are part of one of the most popular mountain bike races in South Africa, enter the Barberton XCM now!
For more information regarding the race, our sponsors, accommodation, things to do in Barberton and so much more, visit www.barbertonxcm.co.za
Pre-enter the race at www.cycleevents.co.za.
Pre-entries close on Tuesday, 26 January at 23h00. Late entries and registration at the Barberton High School on Friday, 29 January from 15h00 – 21h00 and Saturday, 30 January from 05h30. Branded shirts and buffs will be available to purchase online and at registration.
See you in Barberton!
But if he shared a tent with KE no-one will be able to catch him