Events

Glacier Cradle Traverse – Gauteng’s new MTB stage race

· By Press Office · 7 comments

Gauteng mountain bikers can look forward to a brand new mountain bike stage race. The inaugural Glacier Cradle Traverse will take place from 4-7 May 2017 and will be aimed at giving Gauteng mountain bikers a high-quality multi-day experience.

“We are very proud to initiate and sponsor the Glacier Cradle Traverse in partnership with Dryland, as we did at the very successful Glacier Storms River Traverse. Our intermediaries and clients can now enjoy the spirit and adventure of this sought after mountain biking event in both regions annually,” said Jean Lombard, Head of Business Integration at Glacier by Sanlam.

ccs-62657-0-74632000-1476449100.jpgThe Glacier Cradle Traverse, based at Avianto, will offer Gauteng mountain bikers a stimulating three-day stage race close to home. Photo credit: Dino Lloyd

Dryland Event Management is the same company that organises the Fairview Attakwas Challenge, the Cape Pioneer Trek, the DUTOIT Tankwa Trek and the Glacier Storms River Traverse, all premium mountain bike events on the South African calendar.

The event will be based at Avianto, an established Italian-style functions venue and hotel northwest of the city of Johannesburg, with each of the three stages starting and finishing at the luxury venue. The stage routes are still being planned, but will range in distance from 45-65km per day.

“We have had so many participants at our Western Cape events asking us to organise a stage race in Gauteng. This, combined with Glacier’s interest in replicating the formula for the very successful Glacier Storms River Traverse in Gauteng, made it easy to make the decision,” said Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management.

We have drafted Richard Beswick, an experienced Gauteng event organiser and mountain bike trail builder in that region to head up our routes management,” added Rademeyer.

“Immense effort and investment have gone into the building and maintenance of trails by a number of different landowners in the Cradle region. You don’t have to go to the Cape to find great riding and the Glacier Cradle Traverse will confirm this,” said Rademeyer.

“We plan to showcase the best trails that the Cradle region has to offer, with amazing scenery, traversing private farms and venues with fast, flowing singletrack. The complete event will be challenging, but rewarding,” said Beswick.

The proximity of Avianto is also ideal – just 30 minutes drive from Sandton and Pretoria and 15 minutes from Lanseria Airport. This lends itself to a significant focus on the supporters of the participants.

“The Glacier Cradle Traverse will not be aimed at the hardcore racers, but on the large number of mountain bikers that range from just a bit more than social to quite serious. The objective is to make it challenging but enjoyable for the participants, with a strong emphasis on ensuring supporters are very well looked after too,” said Rademeyer.

“On many occasions while enjoying the post-race facilities of mountain bike events, I have wished my wife and family could join me so they could get a taste of this addictive pastime. With the Glacier Cradle Traverse, that will become a reality for all Gauteng-based riders,” said Trevor D’Oliveira, owner of Avianto and a keen mountain biker.

“We plan to showcase the Cradle of Humankind, its rich history and all the beauty it has to offer while providing the best of Avianto hospitality at our race village. Partners will be able to join in the post-race festivities, even stay over with their riding partner and still attend to their personal commitments in Gauteng the following day; or just enjoy the Cradle of Humankind excursions that will be on offer,” added D’Oliveira.

Entries will be limited to ensure the participant experience is of the highest quality. Entries will open on 10 November 2016. For more information, visit www.cradletraverse.co.za.

Comments

jcza

Oct 14, 2016, 1:40 PM

4 -7 May = 4 days but its a 3 day event?

Website link doesn't work.

Other than that it sounds great.

RocknRolla

Oct 14, 2016, 2:15 PM

Wow, A stage race in my back yard...

EmptyB

Oct 14, 2016, 3:24 PM

Yup, sounds great...look forward to more info.

 

A website you could get into would be nice??

Francois Pienaar

Oct 14, 2016, 8:29 PM

Lol, website fail. Otherwise, exciting times!

VicanZA

Oct 15, 2016, 3:03 AM

Is this for us or x rugby guys?

Renier82

Oct 15, 2016, 6:18 PM

At long last, something in gauteng. Gonna be awesome

RocknRolla

Oct 16, 2016, 6:36 PM

Is this for us or x rugby guys?

Well they need "us" to subsidize the rugby dudes

 

 

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