The Lesotho Sky Event is designed for riders that are passionate about mountain biking. Like veins of the mountains, a network of trails connects rural villages and communities and makes the experience of riding the Lesotho Sky Race like no other. Lesotho is a country free of fences and boundaries. This land belongs to the proud Basotho people and is there for anyone to enjoy and respect. This race was founded by proper mountain bike fanatics and prides itself with using 100% natural single track in a place where the only other mode of transport is feet and hooves.
The Lesotho Sky Race goes into it’s 5th edition this year and will be taking place from 20th– 25th September 2015. The event has been a UCI stage race since 2013, a strategy which has resulted in international and South African professional MTB teams competing in the race in 2013 and 2014. Every year the race hosts professional and amateur teams alike, whereby the amateur teams make up 80% of the field.
So far the Lesotho Sky Race was a team mountain bike race only. As of this year solo riders are able to enter the event as well. “In the past we did not allow team entries, due to safety concerns. Parts of the route take riders into very remote areas of the country and for safety reasons we decided to offer team entries only”, is the explanation from race director Darol Howes. The routes haven’t changed much since then, however the emergency response procedures have become a lot easier over the past years. This is mainly due to blanket cell network coverage in the areas where the Lesotho Sky Race takes place. But also thanks to experienced paramedics from ER24 on quad bikes and in 4×4 vehicles, as well as air support with choppers, the routes have become a lot safer.
Note: UCI entries only available in the team category. The solo category is an official category but no UCI points can be awarded.
The cost of single entry to the Lesotho Sky 2015 race is ZAR 12,500. Included are 7 nights accommodation, non-alcoholic drinks, 3x meals a day as well as snack at water points along the routes.
The total distance in 2015 is 360km with 9857m ascent. Lodged entries are sold out but camping entries are still available. The entry includes 7 nights accommodation and all meals. Mechanical service packages and physio packages need to be booked separately and paid cash at registration.
The entries are limited to 120 riders.
Sign-up now and test yourself against some of Africa’s best mountain bikers.
Come explore the #MountainBikeKingdom
http://lesothosky.com/enter-2015/
Some impressions from last years race:
