The Absa Karkloof Country Club is proud to announce an exciting new partnership of four high-profile events with Cycling South Africa, marking the start of a transformative three-year collaboration. This partnership is set to elevate the mountain biking experience in South Africa, while promoting youth development and community upliftment.
A key highlight of this partnership is that the Sappi Karkloof Classic, already a cornerstone of South Africa’s MTB calendar, will now serve as the official South African Marathon Championships from 2025 to 2027. Plans are already underway to make this event even more spectacular, providing top riders and teams with increased exposure and a more competitive racing environment.
In April, the South African Enduro Cup will be hosted at Karkloof, alternating annually with the South Africa Enduro Championships, adding further prestige to the venue’s calendar. Additionally, the South African Gravel Championships will be held in August 2025, with continuous improvements planned to cater to both top competitors and amateur participants as this growing discipline gains traction. This event will also alternate with a South African Cup race each year.
One of the standout features of this partnership is the introduction of the SA Youth MTB Festival in the July school holidays, an event specifically designed to nurture and inspire the next generation of MTB talent. This festival will be a vibrant, action-packed weekend focused on skills development, the exploration of new MTB disciplines, and providing young riders with a platform to showcase their abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment. The festival will feature national competitions, with Sprogs and Nippers competing for the prestigious SA Championship titles in XCC (Cross-Country Criterium) and Enduro. Additionally, the festival will introduce XCM events with distances tailored for younger riders, including the SA XCM Champs for Youth categories.
The combination of Karkloof’s renowned MTB trails and the backing of our committed sponsors like Sappi and Absa promises to be a game-changer for the sport, allowing for enhanced events, facilities, and opportunities for riders of all levels.
The Absa Karkloof Country Club, which has been at the forefront of mountain biking in South Africa since the inception of the Karkloof Classic in 1991, is now set to offer an even more robust calendar of events and improved infrastructure.
The Sappi Karkloof Classic, which has grown from a small local race to one of South Africa’s premier MTB events, will continue to be the flagship event of the partnership, with significant improvements in race quality and participant experience. The backing of long-term sponsors such as Sappi, aQuelle, Stihl, Timber Solutions, and Spring Meadow Dairy, in addition to Absa’s new partnership with the club, ensures that these events will remain a highlight on the MTB calendar for years to come.
Andrew Nicholson, Chairman of the Absa Karkloof Country Club said this collaboration between Cycling South Africa and the Absa Karkloof Country Club goes beyond the competitive elements of the sport.
“The partnership is deeply rooted in community development and education, with both organisations committed to making a positive social impact,” says Nicholson. “The Absa Karkloof Country Club has a rich history of community involvement, employing over 20 full-time staff and supporting local education through its very successful Early Childhood Development Centre, that has been supported by Sappi for many years, and the incredible upgrades and new double decker bus library that Absa donated and paid for at the Yarrow School”.
The club’s network of over 300km of MTB, trail running, walking trails, Sappi Karkloof Falls and Karkloof Conservancy, which are open year-round to members and day visitors, is a testament to its commitment to promoting active lifestyles and outdoor recreation. The partnership with CSA will ensure that this valuable resource continues to grow and thrive, benefiting both the sport and the wider community.
The Absa Karkloof Country Club and Cycling South Africa are excited about the future of this partnership and the many developments it will bring to the MTB community. Together, they are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for riders, while also advancing the sport at both a grassroots and competitive level. This collaboration sets the stage for Karkloof to remain a premier MTB destination, while also solidifying Cycling SA’s commitment to rider development, event excellence, and community upliftment.
Source: Gameplan Media
