GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route’s toughest trails are calling, and mountain bikers from across South Africa are answering.
On Sunday 5 October, the sixth annual Witfontein Enduro roars back into action. Bigger, bolder, and this year with the full support of the George Municipality.
This much-loved event is famous for its technically demanding descents and breathtaking forest scenery. Riders will tackle the Witfontein plantation trails, while the race village comes alive at the Garden Route Botanical Garden.
For those new to the format, the enduro is all about downhill thrills. Stages are raced against the clock on gravity-fuelled tracks, while the uphill transfers are untimed but mandatory.
This year’s full race packs in six timed stages over 34km with 1 400m of climbing for riders aged 15 and older.
A lite version offers four stages over 28km (1 000m climbing), open to riders from eight upwards. E-bikes are welcome for competitors 19 years and older.
Big names like Keira Duncan, Jason Boulle and Luca Zietsman, fresh off the Enduro World Cup and World Championships in Europe, will line up alongside local heroes and rising stars, making this one of the most competitive events on the Western Cape calendar.
Spectators can soak up the action at the following times:
• 08:00-09:00: Registration and race briefing (botanical garden)
• 09:00-11:30: Stages 1 to 3 (West side, near Cape Nature’s offices)
• 11:30-14:30: Stages 4 to 6 (East side, above Fernridge)
• 15:00-15:30: Prize-giving at Garden Route Botanical Garden.
Food vendors will keep the energy levels high at the race village, and normal entry fees into the botanical garden apply.
“We are extremely grateful for the support from George Municipality this year,” said the organiser, Chris Barrett.
“Enduro racing is the fastest-growing MTB discipline and George really is the most beautiful venue. Our vision is to build Witfontein into a truly world-class fixture.”
Tourism Manager Joan Shaw reaffirmed the George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism Bureau’s support.
“By supporting the Witfontein Enduro, we are proud to shine a spotlight on George’s diverse trail landscape. Riders can challenge themselves on some of the country’s best routes and then relax with everything from pristine beaches to premier golf courses and top-class restaurants right on their doorstep - all complemented by the warm hospitality our region is known for.”
The Witfontein Enduro forms round four of the Western Cape enduro series and round two of the Southern Cape enduro series, setting the stage for the national enduro championships coming to George on 15 March next year.
For more information, visit wcenduro.co.za or email chris@witfontein.co.za.
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