Bike Races Not to Miss This July
July is set to be an action-packed month for South African bike racing enthusiasts. With some of the years most highly anticipated events coming up within the next few weeks, fans and participants alike are gearing up fast to get in on the fun wherever possible.
Here are three upcoming July racing events that are not to be missed – and if you want to stay up to date with the latest racing events, check out our new Race Calendar too. We will continually update our calendar with all the biggest and best events to attend, and you can also subscribe for more future updates to stay in the loop.
#1: The Takealot Jock Classic
Set to be held at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on 13 July 2019, the Takealot Jock Classic will run from 9:00 until 16:00 on the day. Racing enthusiasts and riders are invited to join this prestigious sponsor for a one-day, three-stage road race complete with the stunning views that only Mpumalanga can provide. Riders can join the event for all three stages or just one as it suits them – just remember that the Takealot Jock Classic is widely regarded as the nation’s toughest single day cycling challenge, so come prepared.
This year’s route will take place on the original route track, leading participants through Nelspruit, White River, and Sabie, offering a total ascent of 2,900 metres. Stage 1 runs from Nelspruit to White River (48.5km), Stage 2 runs from White River to Sabie (45km), and Stage 3 runs from Sabie to Nelspruit through Long Tom Pass (62km). Entries cost R700 for 3 stages, R550 for 2 stages and R270 for 1 stage, and include breakfast and lunch for riders, ‘high 5’ nutritional supplements, and an exclusive. R200 cash voucher for non-elite participants
#2: The Overberg 100 Miler
Sponsored by Chas Everitt Real Estate, the Chas Everitt Overberg 100 Miler will be held at the Swellendam Showgrounds on July 20, 2019. It is set to run from 7:30 to 17:00 on the day, and will lead participants on a 100/60/25 mile single day MTB race through the region’s picturesque blossoming canola fields. For those that would enjoy gravel-road MTB racing through the sprawling hills of the Overberg mountain range and the Malagas ferry, this is definitely the event for you.
Participants are welcome to compete solo, or in teams of 2, 3 or 4 riders. All riders will depart from the town of Swellendam and take to the 160km gravel-road track heading towards the Potberg mountain. From there, they will cross over the Malgas ferry in a 45 minute neutral zone before riding the final 60km back to their starting point. A shorter 98km ride will also be on offer crossing the ferry, while novice riders can enjoy a 40km fun ride through Bontebok National Park.
The Overberg 100 Miler is set to be an exceptionally well-organised event, complete with goodie bags, plenty of water points, and gorgeous route scenery. Each rider will receive a complimentary roosterkoek at Malgas ferry, along with a hamburger at the finish, all prepared by the local Buffeljagsrivier Primary School.
#3: The Stellenbosch MTB Challenge
Coming up on July 28, 2019 from 8:30 until 14:30, the Stellenbosch MTB Challenge will be held at Spier Wine Estate at R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch. The 14th edition of this renowned event has a major focus on family and fun, offering two route options for participants of all levels of skill.
Riders will enjoy stunning scenery and wonderful food and wine courtesy of the iconic host venue, and a new trail run will also be hosted the day before on Saturday, 28 July for the perfect outdoor weekend in the Cape winelands. Entries for the MTB Challenge are limited to 2,000 riders, who can choose from a 22km (suitable for children as well) and a 50km route in various starting groups.