Silverstar MTB Challenge

2 MONTHS TO GO! | ENTRIES FILLING UP FAST!
The Boland Gravel Monster is the pen-ultimate stop-over of the hotly contested Western Cape Gravel Cup, and it will see gravel racers from all over the province converge on the Cape Winelands signature gravel bike race.

The Western Cape Gravel Cup consists of 5 events, and is open to Elite and all Veteran Categories as per CSA age categories.

A rider's best four results count towards the WC Gravel Cup log and riders must compete in a minimum for 3 events to qualify for a position on the log.

Prize giving and podiums for the WC Gravel Cup will be held at the WC Cape XCO and XCM awards evening at the end of the season.

For all the event info and to enter the Boland Gravel Monster, click to https://www.entryninja.com/events/78433-boland-gravel-monster

Mountain- bikes are welcome and the route presents a balanced mix of provincial and privately owned gravel roads, easy-riding jeep track and quiet tarred roads.

The 150km event summits both the Bothmas Kloof and Bains Kloof Passes on tar, and they are followed by a rewarding mix of gravel and tar descents.

The 150km event starts and finishes at the Welbedacht Estate Schalk Burger and Sons outside Wellington and includes the Bothmaskloof Pass in Riebeeck Kasteel in the first half and Bains Kloof Pass, 25km from the finish on the outskirts of Wellington.

Riders can also enter the 100km “Mini Monster”, which starts in Riebeeck West at the Allesverloren Wine Estate and completes the final 100km of the 150km Gravel Monster route.

The 100km ‘Mini Monster’ excludes Bothmaskloof Pass, but includes Bainskloof Pass shortly before the finish at Welbedacht Estate (Schalk Burger and Sons). It’s a flat and mildly undulating run all the way to Bainskloof.

The 100km Mini Monster presents 1300m vertical ascent with 63km gravel and 37km tar while the 150km Gravel Monster encompasses 2000 vertical ascent with 85km gravel and 65km tar.

For further information, email [email protected] or phone 083 534 7979

For route info email [email protected] or phone 082 857 3180

velotexsa
Wild Boar Trails
Bicycle Garage
Kroff Cycles
Drakenstein Municipality

ONLY 10 HOTEL ROOMS LEFT!
There are only 10 Full Package team entries are still available for the Val de Vie MTB Expedition 3-stage race, which takes place in Paarl on 6-8 October.

Full Package entrants are accommodated at the Pearl Valley Hotel for two nights and the package includes all meals daily. The Full Package price tag is R7 000 per rider sharing, and R9 000 per rider non sharing.

The Val de Vie MTB Expedition constitutes an exceptionally well crafted 152km, 3-day stage race on a cloverleaf route that incorporates some of the country’s finest mountain bike trails, coupled with a world-class race village and hospitality at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse which serves all 3 days.

All three days of the Expedition start and finish at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse and the race makes provision for single riders as well as 2-rider teams

The stages constitute a true mountain-bikers’ paradise on the sublime trail networks in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.

All the Banhoek trails are woven into Sunday’s 3rd stage, while the 2nd stage tracks the Drakenstein Mountain Range escarpment to Wellington to encompass the Wild Boar trails on Welvanpas and it also includes some new trails on the way out and back adjacent to the Hawequa Forrest.

Riders can enter either the basic race only package or the full package, which includes accommodation and all meals at the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis.

To enter and for all the event info go to www.mtbexpedition.co.za

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa
The Computer Shop Franschhoek & TCS Wi-Fi

FINAL BULK TRAINING WEEKEND FOR WINES2WHALES
The Val de Vie MTB Expedition has vested itself as a popular final training stop-over for riders who are taking part in the FNB Wines2Whales three weeks after the Expedition.

In a survey done amongst our entrants, it has emerged that more than 70% of the field are also taking part in Wines2Whales.

The Expedition represents the perfect final bulk training weekend for Wines2Whales.

The Expedition weekend starts with a 17km time trial on Friday afternoon, which is short but sharp, and it’s followed by the two signature stage distances. The 2nd stage offers 68km and 1600m ascent while the final stage is ridden over 67km with 1350 ascent.

Event info at www.mtbexpedition.co.za

velotexsa
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
Drakenstein Municipality
The Computer Shop Franschhoek & TCS Wi-Fi

NEW ROUTE ANNOUNCED FOR VAL DE VIE MTB EXPEDITION The route for the 2023 edition of the Val de Vie MTB Expedition, which takes...

The announcement of an easier route for the 2023 edition of the Val de Vie MTB Expedition, which takes place on 6-8 October in Paarl, has seen a delightful reaction. The event will this year feature an easier route challenge compared to the previous two editions with 20km being shaved off the total distance while the overall ascent also decreases by 450m.

Entries for the event are filling up nicely. For all the new route info and entry info, click go www.mtbexpedition.co.za

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa

NEW ROUTE ANNOUNCED FOR VAL DE VIE EXPEDITION
3 Stages | 152km | 3400m Ascent

Stage 1 | 17km | 450m ascent (TT)
Stage 2 | 68km | 1600m ascent
Stage 3 | 67km | 1350m ascent

The route for the 2023 edition of the Val de Vie MTB Expedition, which takes place on 6-8 October in Paarl, has been finalised.

The event will this year feature an easier route challenge compared to the previous two editions with 20km being shaved off the total distance while the overall ascent also decreases by 450m.

All the new route maps and profiles are available on the event site at www.mtbexpedition.co.za

The degree of route difficulty was an interesting and keenly debated subject at last year’s Expedition. A host of riders felt we needed to decrease difficulty, and we have.

The Expedition will remain an aspirational challenge but we felt that we needed to be sensitive to a large rider contingent who relish the challenge and the total event offering, but who don’t have the luxury of enough regular long daily training rides coming out of winter.

To give these riders something to aim at (and train for), we’ve brought down both the Saturday and Sunday stages to under 70km mark and their combined ascent to under 3000m.

This will shorten riding time for the 2nd and 3rd stages considerably and we believe the stages will present an exciting challenge and flowing riding. The biggest change is on stage 3 where the ascent drops from 1660m to 1350m. The stage will feature a number of new sections in the Banhoek Conservancy, which will dish up a more flowing ride compared to last year.

By decreasing the distance and ascent we want to bring the event in line with our core principle of serving our rider base. The essence of the route and challenge remain the same, which means the race still presents a substantiative challenge and proper racing platform for serious riders.

Val de Vie MTB Expedition Route Director, Pieter van Wyk, believes the route for Paarl’s signature stage race is unrivalled. The race serves experienced mountain-bikers who are focussed on sustained route quality from start to finish, coupled with unequalled rider hospitality.

Van Wyk, who held the position of route director for numerous years at the Absa Cape Epic, is regarded as one of the finest trail specialists in the country.

If you mention Welvanpas and Banhoek, you immediately grab the attention of mountain-bikers from every corner of South Africa. If you include these two famous trail networks in a 3-stage race based at an exceptional venue, it adds up to an experience that has been crafted to satisfy seasoned mountain-bikers.

The Val de Vie Expedition has seen delightful uptake once again with the extraordinary event offering resonating with seasoned mountain-bikers.

It’s an exceptionally well crafted 3-day stage race on a route that incorporates some of the country’s finest mountain bike trails coupled with a world-class race village at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse which serves all 3 days.

Van Wyk led in the era of trail building in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley when he built the famous Welvanpas trails on the Drakenstein Mountains above Wellington. Since then, numerous trail networks have followed, and the valley has become a popular mountain-biking destination.

Welvanpas (these days known as Wild Boar Trails), which often features in the Absa Cape Epic, forms the backbone of the Expedition’s 2nd stage, and the trail network is still right up there with the best in South Africa.

Van Wyk also assisted with the building of numerous sections of the Banhoek Trails, which are consistently regarded as one of the top 5 trail networks in South Africa.
Banhoek constitutes the bulk of the Expedition’s 3rd stage.

Van Wyk and his crew are again putting in an immense amount of work with trail preparation for the Val de Vie MTB Expedition to ensure a challenging and exhilarating experience.

STAGE COMPOSITION:
Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate

Stage 2 | 68km | 1600m ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains

Stage 3 | 67km | 1350m ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

For all the new route maps and profiles go www.mtbexpedition.co.za

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa
The Computer Shop Franschhoek & TCS Wi-Fi
All Mountain Co Cornerstone
Bicycle Garage

BEN-MELT'S EXPEDITION THUMBS UP
As one of the most accomplished and seasoned mountain-bikers in South Africa, Ben-Melt Swanepoel has done it all, seen it all and ridden it all.
He took part in his first Val de Vie MTB Expedition last year and the event exceeded his expectations.
Click to read the article he put together on last year's edition of the Cape Winelands signature MTB stage race: https://mtbexpedition.co.za/article-four.html

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa

'THE ROUTE AND TRAILS ARE WORLD-CLASS'
The Val de Vie MTB Expedition 3-stage race, which takes place on 6-8 October this year, saves no effort in its vision to create the Cape Winelands’ signature upmarket 3-stage mountain bike stage race.

The race constitutes an exceptionally well crafted 172km, 3-day race on a cloverleaf route that incorporates some of the country’s finest mountain bike trails, coupled with a world-class race village and hospitality at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse which serves all 3 days.

We wanted to know what some of our participants had to say about the race, and we were delighted to hear their thoughts:

‘The route and trails are world-class.’ – Dian Cronje
‘An incredible race. Hard and rewarding!’ - Rusermie Russouw
‘The event is simply awesome.’ – Rob Browne
‘Best 3-day stage race I have done.’ - Ryan Wood-Collier
‘Awesome event. Top class organisation, stunning route and the marking was the best that I have seen.’ - Andrew McEwan
‘Fantastic race! Incredible value for money, insane trails and a good, happy environment!’ – Cecil Bosman
‘Routes are awesome. Day 3 was spectacular. Great event!’ – Greg Paulsen
‘Will take part again for sure. The single track was next level!’ – Louis Phillips
‘Wow! Hard but lekker.’ – Marleen Lourens
‘The riding and trails are the toughest and best I have done.’ - Andrew Hutton

Entries and more info on the Val de Vie Expedition are on www.mtbexpedition.co.za

Drakenstein Municipality
velotexsa
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate

ROUTE MAPS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!
Detailed downloadable GPX and KMZ (google earth) route maps and profiles for the Val de Vie Mountain Bike Expedition, which takes place on 6-8 October in Paarl, are now available on the event website at www.mtbexpedition.co.za.

The Expedition is an extraordinary three stage mountain-bike event that links the sought-after trails in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley into an epic 172km journey over the some of the best mountain-biking terrain in the country.

Entries are now open for the event, which is based at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse at Val de Vie Estate. To enter and for more info go to www.mtbexpedition.co.za

The Expedition, designed for two-rider teams as well as single riders, constitutes an incredibly beautiful stage race during Spring with mild temperatures.

The event presents an upmarket, relaxed and dynamic weekend getaway environment in which riders can get to know each other on the bike; and off the bike – at Val de Vie MTB Expedition 5-star Race Village at the luxurious Pearl Valley Clubhouse.

ESSENTIAL EVENT INFO:
DATE | 6-8 OCTOBER 2023
VENUE | ALL STAGES START AND FINISH DAILY AT THE PEARL VALLEY CLUBHOUSE RACE VILLAGE

STARTING TIMES
Friday Stage 1 Time Trial – 13h30
Saturday Stage 2: 07h30
Sunday Stage 3: 07h30

STAGE COMPOSITION

Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m Ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate
Stage 2: 74km Trail Inclusions | 1690m Ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains
Stage 3: 73km | 1660 m Ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

Entry options:
2-Rider Teams
Entry including 2 nights twin room accommodation at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis (at the race village) and all meals: R7 000 per rider.
Entry excluding accommodation and meals: R3 100 per rider.
Single Riders:
Entry including 2 nights single occupancy accommodation at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis (at the race village) and all meals: R9 000 per rider.
Entry excluding accommodation and meals: R3 100 per rider.
More info and to enter | www.mtbexpedition.co.za
More info about Val de Vie Estate | www.valdevie.co.za
More info about the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis | www.pearlvalleyhotel.com
Enquiries | [email protected]

Val de Vie Estate
Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
velotexsa

VAL DE VIE DIFFICULTY DECREASED (SLIGHTLY)
The degree of route difficulty was an interesting and keenly debated subject at last year’s Val de Vie MTB Expedition. A host of riders felt we were tad over on difficulty where we needed to be a month into Spring.

The Expedition will remain an aspirational challenge but we feel that we need to be sensitive to a large rider contingent who relish the challenge and the total event offering, but who don’t have the luxury of enough regular long daily training rides coming out of winter.

To give these riders something to aim at (and train for ) this year, we’ve brought down both the Saturday and Sunday stages to the mid 70km mark and the ascent to just over 1600m.

With the slight distance and ascent changes we want to bring the event in line with our core principle of serving our rider base. The essence of the route and challenge remain the same, which means the race still presents a substantiative challenge and proper racing platform for serious riders.

FNB Wines2Whales riders have the opportunity of getting their final bulk training weekend in the Val de Vie Expedition. It takes place on 6-8 October - 3 weeks prior to Wines2Whales - and the two signature stage distances (74km and 73km) and their degree of difficulty are perfectly poised to fulfil the final mileage demands of Wines2Whales riders’ training regimes.

STAGE COMPOSITION FOR 2023:

Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m Ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate

Stage 2: 74km Trail Inclusions | 1690m Ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains

Stage 3: 73km | 1660 m Ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

Rider feedback from this year suggests the Expedition offering is well crafted and incorporates some of the country’s finest mountain bike trails coupled with a world-class race village which serves all 3 days.

We look forward to further strengthening the event footprint in 2023 to our rider base which is limited to 400.

Route director Pieter Van Wyk loves cramming in as much as possible of the trail network into the stages.

A big thank you goes out to Van Wyk and his crew for the immense amount of work that they do with trail preparation for the Val de Vie MTB Expedition to ensure a challenging and exhilarating experience.

We look forward to the 2023 edition!

Entries and more info www.mtbexpedition.co.za
Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa

EXCEPTIONAL RIDER HOSPITALITY AT VAL DE VIE!
The Val de Vie MTB Expedition, which takes place on 6-8 October this year, saves no effort in its vision to create the Cape Winelands’ signature upmarket 3-stage mountain bike stage race.

The race constitutes an exceptionally well crafted 172km, 3-day race on a cloverleaf route that incorporates some of the country’s finest mountain bike trails, coupled with a world-class race village and hospitality at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse which serves all 3 days.

A unique feature of the Val de Vie MTB Expedition is its 5-star Race Village at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis, which adds an exclusive status to the event.

Riders who enter the full package stay over for two nights at the luxurious Pearl Valley by Mantis Hotel and the package includes all meals at Backs and the Valley Restaurant. The race village is a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

Riders who enter the basic package (without accommodation) also receive daily lunches while on-road support and rider nutrition are exceptional at the feed points, which spoil and motivate riders during the event.

Servicing and a l**e station are available halfway on each day while all bikes are washed and l**ed after each stage and can be stored in a secure facility overnight.

Service packages and massage bookings available on the entry site.

To view the complete event info and to enter | www.mtbexpedition.co.za

STAGE COMPOSITION:
Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m Ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate
Stage 2: 74km Trail Inclusions | 1690m Ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains
Stage 3: 73km | 1660 m Ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

Entry options:
2-Rider Teams
1. Entry including 2 nights twin room accommodation at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis (at the race village) and all meals: R7 000 per rider.
2. Entry excluding accommodation and meals: R3 100 per rider.
Single Riders:
1. Entry including 2 nights single occupancy accommodation at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis (at the race village) and all meals: R9 000 per rider.
2. Entry excluding accommodation and meals: R3 100 per rider.

More info and to enter | www.mtbexpedition.co.za
More info about Val de Vie Estate | www.valdevie.co.za
More info about the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis | www.pearlvalleyhotel.com
Enquiries | [email protected]

VAL DE VIE EXPEDITION ‘HAS NO EQUAL’
The Val de Vie MTB Expedition 3-Stage Race, which takes place on 6-8 October, is widely regarded as the complete package as far as mountain-bike trails and event hospitality is concerned.

However, there is something that transcends these elements and which has catapulted the race to the top of the pile in South African mountain-biking, believes respected professional HB Kruger (Team Valley Electrical Titan Racing).

“There is an allure about the race; something that has positioned it on another level,” says Kruger, who lives down the road from Val de Vie Estate in Paarl.

“There is something really special about the engagement between riders. It is as if a bunch of seasoned elder statesmen in the sport come together; riders who had done and seen everything before.

“Coupled with this the delightful warm atmosphere at the Pearl Valley race village doesn’t have its equal compared to other race villages.”

HB is not usually one for many words or for being outspoken (he does all his “talking” on the bike!), but he believes the Val de Vie MTB Expedition will continue growing.

“The positioning of Val de Vie Estate and the essence of its incredible value offering, linked to the trails and the beauty of the surroundings, serves up a match made in heaven.

“All the stages start and finish in one spot. Val de Vie Estate is nestled in the epicentre of a cauldron surrounded by mountains on all sides that host an abundance of some of the best trails in South Africa, and it’s situated in one of the most beautiful valleys in the country.

“Another important factor is that Paarl is probably the fastest growing and one of the most sought after suburban areas in South Africa. A number of people are moving from Gauteng and other parts of the country to come and settle here.”

“I suppose another reason for its quick rise is that the offering came at a time when many riders were perhaps becoming bored with other races, which hadn’t changed much over the years,” he says.

“The conceptualisation of the race in the midst of Covid-19 was a remarkable brain wave and the organisers have enough experience and expertise to build it into a sought after commercial proposition for sponsors.”

To view the complete event info and to enter | www.mtbexpedition.co.za

STAGE COMPOSITION:
Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m Ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate
Stage 2: 74km Trail Inclusions | 1690m Ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains
Stage 3: 73km | 1660 m Ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

Entry options:
2-Rider Teams
1. Entry including 2 nights twin room accommodation at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis (at the race village) and all meals: R7 000 per rider.
2. Entry excluding accommodation and meals: R3 100 per rider.
Single Riders:
1. Entry including 2 nights single occupancy accommodation at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis (at the race village) and all meals: R9 000 per rider.
2. Entry excluding accommodation and meals: R3 100 per rider.

More info and to enter | www.mtbexpedition.co.za
More info about Val de Vie Estate | www.valdevie.co.za
More info about the Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis | www.pearlvalleyhotel.com
Enquiries | [email protected]

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa

VAL DE VIE FEATURES ‘UNRIVALLED ROUTE’
Val de Vie MTB Expedition Route Director, Pieter van Wyk, believes the route for Paarl’s signature stage race is unrivalled within its market segment. The race, which takes place on 6-8 October, serves experienced mountain-bikers who are focussed on sustained route quality from start to finish, coupled with unequalled rider hospitality.

Van Wyk, who held the position of route director for numerous years at the Absa Cape Epic, is regarded as one of the finest trail specialists in the country.

If you mention Welvanpas and Banhoek, you immediately grab the attention of mountain-bikers from every corner of South Africa. If you include these two famous trail networks in a 3-stage race based at an exceptional venue, it adds up to an experience that has been crafted to satisfy seasoned mountain-bikers.

The Val de Vie Expedition has seen a remarkable uptake with the extraordinary event offering clearly resonating with experienced mountain-bikers. It’s an exceptionally well crafted 3-day stage race on a route that incorporates some of the country’s finest mountain bike trails coupled with a world-class race village at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse which serves all 3 days.

Van Wyk led in the era of trail building in the Paarl-Franschoek Valley when he built the famous Welvanpas trails on the Drakenstein Mountains above Wellington. Since then, numerous trail networks have followed, and the valley has become a popular mountain-biking destination.

Welvanpas (these days known as Wild Boar Trails), which is included often in the Absa Cape Epic, forms the backbone of the Expedition’s 2nd stage, and the trail network is still right up there with the best in South Africa.

Van Wyk also assisted with the building of numerous sections of the Banhoek Trails, which are consistently regarded as one of the top 5 trail networks in South Africa.

Banhoek constitutes the bulk of the Expedition’s 3rd stage.
Van Wyk and his crew are again putting in an immense amount of work with trail preparation for the Val de Vie MTB Expedition to ensure a challenging and exhilarating experience.

FNB Wines2Whales riders have the opportunity of getting their final bulk training weekend in the Val de Vie Expedition. It takes place 3 weeks prior to Wines2Whales, and the two signature stage distances (74km and 73km) and their degree of difficulty are perfectly poised to fulfil the final mileage demands of Wines2Whales riders’ training regimes.

STAGE COMPOSITION:
Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m Ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate
Stage 2: 74km Trail Inclusions | 1690m Ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains
Stage 3: 73km | 1660 m Ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

For more info and to enter the Val de Vie Expedition go to www.mtbexpedition.co.za

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa

SPOTLIGHT ON VETS AT VAL DE VIE EXPEDITION
The Val de Vie MTB Expedition 3-Stage Race, which is presented on 6-8 October, this year features dedicated Veteran age group categories for 30+, 40+ and 50+ Men.

“When we launched the event, we weren’t sure how many riders would enter for the Expedition with the uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 situation, and with the fact that it’s a new race,” said race organiser, Wynand de Villiers.

“Although we had been working on the planning for more than a year and knew that we would dish up something special, we weren’t sure if we’d attract enough entries to justify categories.

“As it turned out the entry response has been extraordinary, in particular among the Veteran Men, and it makes sense to accommodate the Veteran men in their own categories,” he said.

“This has been fuelled by a host of FNB Wines2Whales riders who are using the Expedition to fulfil their final mileage demands for Wines2Whales as the Expedition takes place three weeks prior to the start of Wines2Whales and also incorporates a lot of the Cape Epic’s riding terrain.”

To qualify for their category, both riders must be their category age or older as per CSA age category rules.

“We will award cycling related prizes for the top Veteran Mens’ teams and trophies for the winning team. Overall winners in mixed, men and ladies receive prize money,” concluded De Villiers.

The Val de Vie MTB Expedition is a remarkable three stage mountain-bike event that links the sought-after trails in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley into an epic 172km journey over the some of the best mountain-biking terrain in the country.

Enter for the Expedition 3-Stage Race go to www.mtbexpedition.co.za

Enquiries | [email protected]

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa

The Val de Vie MTB Expedition 3-Stage Race continues to soar on the back of the world-class event offering, and with 5 months to go to the race date entries are 50% sold out.

The Expedition takes place on 6-8 October at the award winning Val de Vie Estate in Paarl and represents a remarkably user friendly and comfortable off-the-bike experience, coupled with unequalled trails over a solidly challenging and rewarding 3-day racing format.

Riders who don't want to miss out, need to click to https://www.entryninja.com/events/78411-mtb-expedition to secure their entries.

All three days of the Expedition start and finish at the Pearl Valley Clubhouse and the race makes provision for single riders as well as 2-rider teams

STAGE COMPOSITION:
Stage 1: 17km (Time Trial) Trail | 450m Ascent
Inclusions : Drakenstein Mountain Range | Val de Vie Estate

Stage 2: 74km Trail Inclusions | 1690m Ascent
Val de Vie Estate| Hawequa Forest | Wild Boar Welvanpas | Drakenstein Mountains

Stage 3: 73km | 1660 m Ascent
Trail Inclusions : Val de Vie Estate| Banhoek | Helshoogte | Boschendal | Plaisir de Merle| Bethlehem | Camissa | Klipwerf | Afterburner | Inferno | Sugarbowl

The stages constitute a true mountain-bikers’ paradise on the sublime trail networks in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.

All the Banhoek trails are woven into Sunday’s 3rd stage, while the 2nd stage tracks the Drakenstein Mountain Range escarpment to Wellington to encompass the Wild Boar trails on Welvanpas and it also includes some new trails on the way out and back adjacent to the Hawequa Forrest.

Food Lover's Market have partnered with the Expedition to offer all participants scrumptious lunches after every stage of this year’s event.

Riders can enter either the basic race only package or the full package, which includes accommodation and all meals at the luxurious Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis.

For entries and the event info go to https://www.entryninja.com/events/78411-mtb-expedition

Drakenstein Municipality
Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages
Val de Vie Estate
velotexsa