A first-of-its kind cycling experience aimed at road riders and mountain bike enthusiasts will kick off for its inaugural event in the Western Cape from 5-8 October, 2017, with a portion of proceeds going to Ground Level Projects, an organisation aimed at helping young children escape poverty in the region.
The Cape Duo Challenge features teams of two tackling a variety of scenic routes across paved roads and mountain bike track, with the race beginning in the Slanghoek Valley, moving through Welbedacht in Wellington (the location of Schalk Burger and Sons’ wine estate) and ending in the scenic Rhebokskloof Wine Farm in Paarl.
The event takes cycling’s two disciplines and brings them together to answer a simple question: who’s able to conquer both skill sets and emerged fastest overall?
The Cape Duo is aimed at mid-level to experienced riders and is the brainchild of cycling enthusiasts Peter Diesel-Reynolds, Ernst Viljoen and Pieter Joubert, who combine years of corporate experience with a love for the sport.
“Around the world, there’s a distinct divide between mountain biking and road racing,” says Diesel-Reynolds. “There are separate events for both disciplines, but in speaking to other cyclists, we thought, why not bring the two together?”
So the Cape Duo was born.
On day one, teams split up, with the first rider taking part in a 40 kilometre road race and the second rider tackling 25 kilometres of challenging terrain that will test their mettle with a track that encompasses 800 metres of elevation gain. Here, the views of the Slanghoek Valley – fertile soil that produces some of the country’s best wines – are on full display as riders immerse themselves in a true cycling challenge.
On day two, teams ride in tandem across 125 kilometres of paved track, while the following morning, they head off road and negotiate the Welvanpas trail as the province’s gorgeous mountains undulate across the horizon.
Finally, day four incorporates paved roads before teams hit a surprise detour through the Rheboksloof cross-country mountain-bike trail, with the finish line nestled inside the Rheboksloof Wine Farm.
The Paarl Winelands offer cyclists gorgeous views of the province
A penalty is enforced for teams that finish more than two minutes apart.
Cycling is growing in popularity with an estimated one million cyclists in South Africa alone. Further estimates suggest one hundred thousand of these riders will take part in an event in the next three years.
“Despite the growth, many events are stagnating and not able to offer a new challenge,” Joubert says. “We decided it was the perfect opportunity to invigorate the space.”
600 riders will compete in the October event, with a portion of the money raised going to the Ground Level Projects, an initiative aimed at uplifting the province’s underprivileged.
“Here is our chance to not only give riders an exciting new event, but put the money to good use,” Viljoen says.
The first ever Cape Duo challenge will run from 5-8 October and space is limited – so hurry. Entry is R9950 per team and entrants can apply at the Cape Duo website here: http://capeduo.com/packages/
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