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Die Burger MTB Challenge
Join 5 000 adventurers and fitness enthusiasts for a wild ride through the majestic Cape Winelands
Every year, thousands of energetic cyclists line up at sunrise for the start of an epic race through the wintery Winelands, and this year is no different. The 2016 Die Burger Mountain Bike (MTB) Challenge takes place on Sunday, 31 July, and 5 000 outdoor enthusiasts are expected to compete this year – making it one of South Africa’s largest one-day mountain biking events.
Now in its 11th year, the famed MTB race wheels through more than 50 farms in the Stellenbosch area, with six scenic routes to choose from to cater for riders of all ages and levels of experience. The distances include a short 15-km ride for children and novices, a 30-km route for beginners, a 42-km race for fit riders, a 50-km option for intermediate cyclists, a 60-km challenge for advanced riders and a 75-km invitation race for the country’s top cyclists. Do not be fooled by distances though; the 50-km route is actually easier than the 42-km option.
The mountain bike challenge will start at Eikestad Primary school in Stellenbosch and finishes at van der Stel Sportsgrounds. Exhausted cyclists will be met with medals at the finish line, and participants and spectators can celebrate the end of the race with food, drink and children’s entertainment; plus, there will be a lucky draw giving athletes a chance to win a state-of-the-art Giant Simple Seven Bicycle.
Entries for the event are limited to 5 000 competitors and close on Monday, 18 July 2016 or as soon as the limit is reached. So, don’t miss out on the chance to compete in this epic annual MTB challenge and register early.
ROUTES FOR 2016 DIE BURGER MTB CHALLENGE IN STELLENBOSCH
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75-KM ROUTE |
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Organisers invite South Africa’s top mountain bikers to participate in the 75-km challenge. While the route follows the 60-km for the most part, it also includes the wonderful single-track on Delvera farm. |
START TIME: |
8am |
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CUT OFF TIME: |
Riders must get to Uitkyk by 11:30am, and the finish line by 2pm. |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Pro riders (by invitation only) |
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PRE-ENTRIES FOR AMARIDER & TAG HOLDERS: |
R330p/p |
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OTHER PRE-ENTRIES: |
R385p/p (includes temporary timing tag) |
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MINIMUM AGE: |
18 years (by invitation only) |
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60-KM ROUTE |
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The 60-km route traverses several local mountains and is not for the faint-hearted. Riders can look forward to some serious climbing, technical descents and lots of single track. While the winner is expected to finish in approximately three hours, the average participant will take between four and five hours to complete the demanding course. |
START TIME: |
8:50am to 9:15am depending on your allocated group |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Advanced riders |
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PRE-ENTRIES FOR AMARIDER & TAG HOLDERS: |
R275p/p |
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OTHER PRE-ENTRIES: |
R320p/p |
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MINIMUM AGE: |
17 years |
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50-KM ROUTE |
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The 50-km route is an extension of the popular 30-km route, and although it is only 8-km longer than the 42-km, it is a much easier route. |
START TIME: |
8:10am to 8:40am depending on your allocated group |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Intermediate riders |
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PRE-ENTRIES FOR AMARIDER & TAG HOLDERS: |
R230p/p |
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OTHER PRE-ENTRIES: |
R260p/p |
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MINIMUM AGE: |
15 years |
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42-KM ROUTE |
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The 42-km route is also not for beginners and mirrors the 60-km route but cuts out the Rustenberg to Strydom Vineyard section of the 60-km race.
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START TIME: |
9:40am to 9:55am depending on your allocated group |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Fit intermediate riders |
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PRE-ENTRIES FOR AMARIDER & TAG HOLDERS: |
R230p/p |
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OTHER PRE-ENTRIES: |
R260p/p |
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MINIMUM AGE: |
15 years |
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30-KM ROUTE |
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One of the most popular routes in the competition, the 30-km challenge is a relatively flat cycle towards the Spier wine estate; it’s ideal for those keen to avoid the challenging hills in the other longer routes but who want a little more than what the 15-km path offers. |
START TIME: |
10am to 10:15am depending on your allocated group |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Beginner riders |
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PRE-ENTRIES FOR AMARIDER & TAG HOLDERS: |
R170p/p |
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OTHER PRE-ENTRIES: |
R200p/p |
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MINIMUM AGE: |
12 years |
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15-KM ROUTE |
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A great route for novices, this course follows a shortened version of the 30-km route, with the same start and finish areas. |
START TIME: |
9:25am to 9:35am depending on your allocated group |
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PERFECT FOR: |
Children and novice riders |
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PRE-ENTRIES FOR AMARIDER & TAG HOLDERS: |
R110p/p |
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OTHER PRE-ENTRIES: |
R130p/p |
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MINIMUM AGE: |
Riders younger than 10 years of age must ride with adult |
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HOW TO ENTER THE 2016 DIE BURGER MTB CHALLENGE IN STELLENBOSCH
Entries for the mountain bike challenge are on a first come, first served basis: these can either be made online with a credit card or EFT payment, or an entry form can be emailed or faxed to Dirtopia with proof of payment. Unpaid entries are not valid.
Entries for the event will close on Monday, 18 July 2016, or when the 5 000 participant limit is reached.
Riders require an Amarider tag to compete in the advanced routes (75-km, 60-km and 42-km); a temporary tag is included in the entry fee for participants who do not have one.
Race numbers can be collected at registration which takes place on the following days:
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DATE |
TIME |
VENUE |
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Thursday, 28 July |
12pm-6:30pm |
Dirtopia Trail Centre, Stellenbosch |
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Friday, 29 July |
12pm-6:30pm |
Sports Science Institute Conference Centre, Newlands |
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Saturday, 30 July |
9am-1pm |
Eikestad Primary School, Stellenbosch |
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NOTE: NO collection of race numbers, late entries, substitutions or changes will be allowed on the day of the event. |
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For competition rules and further details, visit Dieburgermtbchallenge.co.za, email info@dirtopia.co.za or phone +27 (0)21 884 4752. Fax entry forms with proof of payment to +27 (0)86 614 2808.
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Interested in other MTB races and events? Check out our overview of Cycling Events in the Western Cape.
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