MOUNTAIN BIKE race info
RACE DAY: 9 February 2025, addo polo club, addo
COLLECTION OF RACE PACKS and late entries
Friday, 7 February 2025, 2pm-6pm, Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, Gqeberha.
Saturday, 8 February 2025, 4pm-6pm, Addo Polo Club.
Sunday, 9 February 2025 from 5am to 7am at the Addo Polo Club.
ONLINE ENTRIES
Open: November 2024
Close: Monday, 3 February 2025 at midday
*NO ONLINE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER MONDAY, 3 FEBRUARY 2025. LATE CHARITY ENTRIES WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE ON RACE PACK COLLECTION DAYS.
mountain bike ENTRY FEES 2024
80km ExtremE - R450:
Ages 19+. Entrants should be physically fit and technically advanced for this event.
60km Adventure - R340:
Ages 15+,. Entrants should be physically fit and technically skilled for this event .
30km Leisure: - R260:
Ages 13+ [E-Bike riders ages 19+]
30km Tandem - R430:
Ages 13+.
5km Kiddies RIDE - R120:
All ages
500m Toddlers’DASH - R90
All ages
ultimate quest: 80km mtb extreme+ 106km road classiC - R810:
Ages 19+
CSA SANCTIONED EVENT: Cycling SA enforces minimum age restrictions based on race distances for all sanctioned MTB and Road race events. Please only select a race distance that you are allowed to participate in. Your age is based on the age you will be on 31 December on that year of this race. Should a rider enter a distance that is incorrect according to their age, the rider will be disqualified. Kindly note that this is a CSA sanctioned event. The responsibility for understanding and adhering to the rules and age restrictions rests entirely with the rider. By entering, you are confirming your acknowledgement of these rules and confirming you will abide by them.
MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE START TIMES
RACE START
60km Adventure E-Bike: 06:00
80km Extreme: 06:20
60km Adventure Group A: 06:30
60km Adventure Group B: 06:40
30km Leisure E-Bike: 06:55
30km Leisure: 07:00
5km Junior Race: 07:10
500m Toddlers: 07:15
*Please note that start times may be subject to change.
CUT OFF TIMES
11:00 - Water point 4
13:15 - Finish line
mountain bike RACE ROUTES
80km Route
The first section of the race is on reasonably flat gravel roads as you meander through citrus orchards and along irrigation canals. Your first climb and your first water point greets you at the around the 10km mark. The water point is located halfway up Dung Beetle Hill. Shortly after the waterpoint your route splits from the 30km loop as you turn right and head towards the Zuurberg Mountains for some serious climbing and singletrack fun.
At the 2nd water point, around the 20km mark you take a sharp turn off the gravel road and enter the first of many singletrack sections through Hayterdale Trails. Wooden bridges, flowing singletrack, challenging climbs and exhilarating downhill's will keep you on your toes.
A bit of fun on the Hayterdale Cross Country track should lift your spirits before you begin the main climb of the day, the Zuurberg Pass. If you’re not in contention for the KOM/QOM title, take a moment to appreciate the panoramic views over the Sundays River Valley on your way up. The route continues up the Zuurberg Pass which sees you climb 376m over 9km. The KOM/QOM sprint hotspot is at the top of the climb, 33km into the race, near the Zuurberg Mountain Inn. This is also where your 3rd waterpoint is situated.
The good news is you've now reached the highest point on the route and can enjoy a long downhill which traverses several kilometres of new, purpose built singletrack.
The 4th waterpoint is at 48km where you'll cross the Zuurberg road for the final time and then make your way through the Intsomi Game Reserve. An unmanned / self service waterpoint is at the 55km mark should you find yourself running low on fluids.
You rejoin the other routes at 65km and then its a flat, easy stretch of gravel road to the finish line punctuated by the final waterpoint at 72km.
60km Route
The first 10km follows relatively flat gravel roads and jeep track as you meander through citrus orchards and along irrigation canals. A short climb up Dung Beetle Hill will give you your first opportunity to get your heart rate up. Waterpoint 1 is situated halfway up this climb.
Just after Dung Beetle Hill your route splits from the 30km route with a 90 degree right hand turn. You'll have a few kilometres of open road before the real fun begins, the legendary Hayterdale singletrack awaits.
At the 2nd water point, around the 20km mark you take a sharp turn off the gravel road and this is where the real mountain biking begins. Make sure you top up your water bottles as the hard work is about to begin, and its 20km to the next (3rd) waterpoint. After a few kilometres of playing in the singletrack it's time to get the heart rate up as you begin your climb up the Zuurberg Pass starting at the 25km mark. The climb is 4km in length with an elevation gain of 238m.
Camp Figtree marks the highest point on your route at around the halfway mark. A new addition to the 60km route, Zorrs Rollercoaster follows. This is an undulating contour path along the side of the mountain requiring skill and focus to keep your momentum through the ups and downs.
Your reward for making it this far is a 7km downhill that drops you into the Intsomi Game Reserve and the 3rd water point (unmanned / self-service) at the 40km mark.
From here you'll re-join the 30km route for the final stretch to the finish line with water point 4 at the 50km mark.
30KM ROUTE
The 30km route takes riders along relatively flat open gravel roads and jeep track through the Citrus orchards and along the irrigation canals of Addo. The non technical route with only 366m of climbing is designed for the Mountain Biker looking to enjoy a leisurely day out in the beautiful surrounds of Addo.
Mountain bike ACCOMODATION
ADDO POLO CLUB
The Addo Polo Club - the heart and home of The Herald Cycle Tour MTB races, showcases the magnificent beauty of the stunning Addo region. Camping sites and luxury tents are available for Saturday, 8 February 2025. Click the below link to make a booking.
Camping options:
Camp site space at R100 per camp site at Addo Polo Club (bring your own tent)
Luxury tents for two people sharing at R750 per tent (Tent includes 2x single beds with a mattress, linen, down duvet, & towel)
Braai pack order:
Braai packs at R150 per pack, which includes 2 x chops, 1 x wors, 1 x chicken sosatie, rooster brood, salad, something sweet. Braai fires are supplied. To collect your braai pack & braai your own meat.
mountain bike PRIZE MONEY
80km extreme MEN
1st place R3000.00
2nd place R2000.00
3rd place R1000.00
80km extreme woMEN
1st place R3000.00
2nd place R2000.00
3rd place R1000.00
60km adventure MEN
1st place R1000.00
2nd place R750.00
3rd place R500.00
60km adventure woMEN
1st place R1000.00
2nd place R750.00
3rd place R500.00