Mud, sweat and smiles on opening day of the Isuzu Truck PE Plett

Cyclists gathered at Wedgewood Country Club and Golf Course in preparation for the Isuzu Trucks PE Plett MTB event that kicked off at 7am. Entrants and their families were greeted by African drums and traditional face painting; creating an atmosphere that complimented MC, Greg Ritz vibrant energy.

Day 1 of the 4 day MTB race kicked off with heavy rains ensuring over 250 cyclists completed the day in a ‘muddy style’. The rain played havoc on a route that was designed with the single track rider in mind. The organisers trimmed the mostly muddy sections out but there were still a few sections that caused some spills and thrills. Although the weather was miserable, participants crossed the finish line dirty but full of praise for a well-designed route. As I came down the mountain towards waterpoint 2, it was so muddy and slippery that my back wheel was suddenly in line with my front wheel, it was Epic” says cyclist Bruce Campbell sharing his highlight for day 1.

The Isuzu Trucks PE Plett event guided cyclists through Thornhill, where children from Thornhill Primary school cheered on cyclists along with their live school band, ensuring every cyclist felt welcomed and encouraged to take on the second half of the day. The final ride through to Gamtoos Ferry Hotel finished with a cliff-hanger descent and a stunning view of race village.

As the day came to an end, cyclists took to lazing around the “Chill Zone” sharing war stories and many laughs. Day 2 of the Isuzu Trucks PE Plett race kicks off bright and early, travelling 97km from Gamtoos Ferry Hotel through to Soloko Game Reserve.