On Saturday, the 17th of January, the South African and global mountain biking season gets underway at the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen. Dubbed the Hell of the South, it challenges riders to an infamously tough, 120-kilometre course from Chandelier Game Lodge, near Oudtshoorn, to the Pine Creek Resort, in Great Brak. Boasting UCI Class 1 status, it attracts some of the world’s best mountain bikers, and for the 20th anniversary edition, those include the defending champion and double cross-country World Champion, Alan Hatherly.
An update to the first 50 kilometres sees a 250-metre reduction in the total metres of climbing, and a 4-kilometre shortening of the best-known route, but Dryland Event Management believes the changes will lead to a faster and more competitive race. “To get to Safranriver the route misses out on the two rocky climbs between the old Water Point 1 and 2, and along with a bit less climbing, the roads and singlet racks are more ridable. I doubt anyone will need to put a foot down before the climb to the King and Queen of the Mountain hotspot, at the summit of the Attakwaskloof Pass,” Henco Rademeyer of Dryland predicted.
“The changes could lead to a more tactical first 40 kilometres to the elite rider tech zone [at Safranriver/Water Point 2], but thereafter it will be as fierce as ever climbing to the kloof,” Rademeyer continued. “The final 54 kilometres, from Bonniedale farm to the finish line, at Pine Creek, remain as tough as ever too. We are expecting a fresh southeasterly wind on race day, too, which is a double-edged sword. While it will cool everyone down, it will also be a headwind home.”
Temperatures are predicted to remain below 30 degrees centigrade on the 17th, though in the Klein Karoo and Attakwaskloof where the wind will have minimal effect, it will feel hotter. The heat and rocky route suits the women’s double defending champion, Samantha Sanders. Others may wilt in challenging conditions, yet the reigning South African Marathon Champion excels in hot weather.
It is for this reason and for a first look at fan favourites in the new kits and on new bikes that supporters of cycling eagerly anticipate the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen. To watch the action as it unfolds, like the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, Facebook page or follow @attakwasmtb on Instagram. For more information, visit www.atta.co.za.