Kevin Evans (Nedbank360Life) can vouch for this. During this year's Cape Epic he crashed during the Tulbagh stage of the marathon and broke his collarbone. This ended his race prematurely.
But Evans tasted ‘sweet revenge’ during the MTN Tulbagh ultra-marathon when he and his teammate, David George, put their rivals in a checkmate position with their tactically sound riding.
George won and Evans finished second.
According to Evans the racing in and around Tulbagh is challenging because of the loose sandy sections and loose rocks.
“It is a real battle to get into a comfortable rhythm because you have to struggle to find your way through and over nature's obstacles. Of course this makes the race interesting for spectators to watch.”
Listening to Evans and some of the other top mountain bikers describing their racing experiences, it becomes clear that the MTN Tulbagh Ultra is truly a hard man's race.
Even though the trail does not venture out of the Saronsberg valley, there are some challenging climbs and technical single tracks that test the skills, as well as the stamina, of the riders.”
The organizers recommend that the riders at the back should stop to admire the scenery when they come close to the magnificent Saronsberg mountain.
They will see the route winding its way around cool farm dams, between luscious green vineyards and along rocky mountain tracks that are edged with indigenous fynbos, including proteas.
The route that makes a full anti-clockwise loop around the town of Tulbagh, takes full advantage of the scenic beauty of the Saronsberg valley.
Because the race has been rescheduled for February, it is very likely that some of the top international riders will compete. It will be ideal preparation for riders who plan to race in the Cape Epic, because it will give them an indication of their fitness levels.
The event is not just for the professionals and the MTN Marathon as well as the Nissan makes this an ideal family escape to the wine lands.
Desiree Pooe, Senior Manager: Sponsorship and Events at MTN SA says” The MTN Tulbagh ultra-marathon is a test of fitness and it requires a different range of skills from all the riders who participate in the race. Besides the off-road , we encourage all riders to come with their families and enjoy the scenic beauty Tulbagh has to offer”
The charming historical town of Tulbagh is situated in the winelands of the Boland in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
The town is part of the Witzenberg municipal region and its neighbouring towns are Gouda, Wolseley, Ceres and Prince Alfred Hamlet.
The people of Tulbagh are renowned for their friendliness and easygoing hospitality and the valley has become an attractive weekend getaway.
Proteas and herbs are indigenous and peaches, pears, as well as 70 percent of the country’s plums, are cultivated in the shadow of the mountains. The valley is perhaps best known for its production of some of the country’s finest wines. Estate wines, such as Twee Jonge Gezellen, Drostdyhof and Theuniskraal, originated in the valley known as Het Land van Waveren where wines have been cultivated since 1906.
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