SA’S OLDEST MTB EVENT IN HOWICK
TRAIL runners and mountain bikers will flock to Howick this weekend for two days of events that harness the local roads and trails at the Sappi Howick Classic festival that proudly flaunts its status as the oldest MTB race on the national calendar.
The network of single track that has been developed by the Howick Mountain Bike Club over the past three decades has garnered countrywide respect, earning the tough but exciting reputation that lures a big field to the 40km marathon and the 20km half marathon each year.
The race philosophy of continually modifying the race routes, often to coincide with harvesting the plantations, has helped keep the races fresh and ensures they are must-do events for many athletes of all abilities.
The weekend is built around the 40km Sappi Howick MTB Classic marathon and its 20km sister race, but is now preceded by a day that is dedicated to enduro and trail running enthusiasts.
Today will also feature the gravity mountain bikers gathered for the season-starting enduro, involving timed descents through the Sappi plantations that attract the sport’s adrenaline and speed lovers.
Sam Bull is sure to be a contender in the men’s race with the likes of Kiera Duncan and Luke Dinkel, set to challenge. The women’s race should see a tussle between the gutsy youngster Beanie Thies and the talented Charné Dreyer.
Much attention will be focused on four young riders who will race their first competitive enduro. Aphiwe Goge and Ongezo Mini from the Velosolutions Izimbali team will be the first black women to take part in an enduro.
Together with Sakhile Langa and Sanele Hadebe they are products of the GO!Durban Cycle Academy.
Tomorrow will see the crowds flock to Howick High School for the start of the MTB marathon and half marathon races in the forests and plantations almost across the road from the town’s school.
Howick local Stuart Marais (Expedient/Scott) is nursing a quiet hunger to finally win his hometown major after withdrawing last year while in the lead after a stick lodged in his wheel, damaging the rim and rear swing arm.
His dreams of adding the Howick title to his impressive CV will be tested by a field that looks to include Andrew Hill (Darkhorse Wheels/TIB Insurance) and defending champion Tyronne White (Ballito Bicycle Co).
“When I first started racing everything happened in Howick, so it will be good to go back to my roots, so to speak,” said Hill, who is using the race as part of his training for the upcoming Absa Cape Epic.
“The more you race in training, the better,” he added. “It brings intensity and fast starts, which is what you need for the Epic.”
The women’s race will be wide open with the news that Bianca Haw, who ran away with the women’s honours last year, is in the Cape for an adventure race. That leaves the door ajar for aspirant local female racers to feature on the podium on Sunday afternoon.
As much as the event clings to its history as the oldest MTB event on the calendar, it is permanently evolving and responding to new priorities. One of these is to do away with cups at all the seconding tables to eliminate litter and plastic pollution in the area. Riders and runners are expected to carry bottles with them on the races and refill these at the watering stations on the route.