Cycling the sights from Plett to PE
PLETTENBERG BAY - The Eastern Cape wilderness that lies between Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha is seldom traversed by bicycle. However, as part of the M&G PE PLETT, participants enjoy everything from the wild and lush Nature’s Valley to the wide open fynbos plains of the Langkloof in a journey on picturesque jeep tracks and trails purpose-built for this boutique mountain biking experience.
The M&G PE PLETT starts at Kurland Polo field and covers 249,3km over four days, traversing parts of the Garden Route and Eastern Cape. Riders cover 74,5km and 1 100m of elevation in stage 1; 59km and 800m of elevation in stage 2; 58,3km and 1 200m of elevation in stage 3; and 60km and 1 050m of elevation in the final stage, with the finish at Zwartenbosch Golf & Lifestyle Estate.
There are two ways to experience the race. The first is The Ride, where the pro racing happens at the front end. The Tour follows the day after The Ride finishes and is a leisurely journey on the same route, with an even more intimate group and without timing chips.
The Ride, which took place from 21-24 February this year, saw tight racing upfront and a fun adventure for those further back in the field. Honeycomb Pro Cycling’s duo of Marc Pritzen and Tristan Nortje dominated each stage and took the overall win. Herman Fourie and Kai von During of Insect Science X Trek SA came second after a tight race with Rossouw Bekker and Matthys Beukes of Valley Electrical Pro Cycling. Mandi Augustyn and Juanita Mackenzie (team Elements) had the women’s category wrapped up from stage 1. In the mixed category, Elrika Harmzen-Pretorius and Alexander Lawrence (eFort Foodlovers) were victorious, with Kelsey van Schoor and Sidney Strydom (Ultimate Quest) taking second place.
In the solo male race, honours went to Rogan Smart at the end of the four days of racing, while in the solo female race it was Marni Sumbal who took home top honours.
Shaun Glover of Red Cherry Events, organisers of the races, says they are very happy with this year's two events, moving 300 riders and 70 staff across the Garden Route, but also noted that they'll be looking to improve certain things next year. "I think
for next year we'll definitely look at doing the Tour first and have the main race with the pros afterwards. The rider feedback has been amazing and we look forward to opening entries next month and putting on another two successful events next year."