Big field expected at Nanaga
HUNDREDS of avid mountain bikers take to the dusty paths of the Nanaga Mountain Bike Race on Sunday.
With an estimated field of 835 pre-entries already received, the race promises to be one of the biggest and most popular on the MTB calendar.
For riders with a competitive edge, there will be three main distances – the 50, 30 and 15km races – to choose from, while there will be a shorter 5km children’s fun ride in which parents can also join.
While online entries closed earlier this week, riders will have two more chances to register, either today at Coimbra Cycle Centre in Walmer or on race morning, provided spots are still available.
Any late entrants will pay R50 in addition to the race entry fee.
The 50km race gets under way at 7am, the 30km starts at 8.20am, the 15km at 8.40am and the 5km fun ride at 9am.
All cyclists are requested to complete race-morning registration at least 40 minutes before the starts of their respective races.
Race organiser Sheena O’Keeffe said the race, which is now in its fifth edition, had grown in popularity over the years, with an estimated 700 riders participating in the 2017 event.
“This rise in popularity is largely due to the feedback from riders about the stunning routes with magnificent views and some fast-flowing single track sections.
“The Nanaga Mountain Bike Race is an event that likes to give back. The race initially came about specifically as a fundraiser for our beneficiary, the Sunshine Coast Charity Trust.
“This group of dedicated farmers and their wives are involved in a number of local community projects to help children living with and affected by HIV and Aids and it is a privilege to support them,” O’Keeffe said.
As part of the festivities there will be live entertainment, stalls and a children’s play area, as well as refreshment stalls.
There will also be some giveaways at the event, with two Norco Storm mountain bikes up for grabs.
Raffle tickets cost R50, with all proceeds going to the race’s beneficiary, while the lucky draw prize will be open to all race entries.
For more information and entry details visit www.trailadventures.co.za/nanaga