Stage 1 of SA’s MTB Party of the Year, the highly anticipated Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience fueled by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, kicked off on Saturday, 16 November 2024 at Coetzenburg Field in Stellenbosch. Mountain biking enthusiasts were treated to a “lucky packet” of world-class, exclusive trails, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
When entering the event, riders could choose between the Marathon and Half Marathon distances.
Day 1 of the Marathon covered 48km with a total ascent of 1,400m and offered a variety of short, punchy climbs, smooth single track, long climbs, and technical terrain, all set against diverse and stunning scenery. It was one of the most thrilling stages in the region, featuring a unique combination of trails, including an exclusive section in Keermont that wowed riders. Other highlights included the ever-popular trails of Mont Marie, Dornier, Ernie Els and Stellenzicht.
No stranger to the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, Luyanda Thobigunya (Idas Valley) was the first rider home in Marathon. According to Thobigunya it’s the trails that draw him back to this event each year. “I love the trails, especially the trails in Dornier and Stellenzicht,” says Thobigunya. “The trails were nice, but difficult. I used to ride in Stellenbosch every day. It means a lot to me to finish first today. I am so happy. My plan for tomorrow is to ride with my teammates but keep the position.”
Celebrating her Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience debut on the day, Andrea Schöfmann (Stellenbosch) was the first female rider home in the Marathon. “My plan was to go out as hard as I could and have fun on my backyard trails,” laughs Andrea Schöfmann. “The route was fun, I really enjoyed it. I actually haven’t done a lot of the trails that we rode today, so it was nice to do something new. I had a little swim in the Mont Marie dam, not on purpose, but it was fun. I’ve just come out of off-season, so it was good to start like this. It gives me confidence for the season.”
Day 1 of the Half Marathon featured a 26km route with a total ascent of 650m and offered a balanced stage with a mix of jeep track and single track. Highlights included the floating bridge at Mont Marie and the iconic G-Spot trail. This stage catered to riders of all levels, incorporating some technical riding without the more challenging sections of the full Marathon.
NEXT UP: Stage Two / 2024 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience
Date: Sunday 17 November 2024
Start and Finish Venue: Coetzenburg Field, Stellenbosch
Start Time: 08:00
Category and Distance:
Full Marathon
Distance: 54km
Total Ascent: 900m
Half Marathon
Distance: 36km
Total Ascent: 600m
Charity Support: The Savanna Origin of Trails proudly supports the Stellenbosch Trail Fund (STF), a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) entirely funded by donations from local trail users and corporate sponsors. Since 2011, STF’s aim has been to create, improve and maintain hiking, biking and running trails in and around the Greater Stellenbosch
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Author: Jacky McClean from NEWSPORT MEDIA on behalf of Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience.
