There’s a reason the Buffelsdrift round of the Nissan TrailSeeker Series has been one of the most popular since its inception: variety. Saturday’s second round of the popular Gauteng mountain bike series will once again offer variety which is both challenging and rewarding.
After a cold, wet past weekend, the weather forecast of Pretoria North on Saturday is 25 degrees Celsius and sunny – ideal race conditions. The recent rains have firmed up the trails superbly, which is likely to produce fast times and competitive racing. And 60% of the routes being used for the race aren’t part of the regular trail network at Buffelsdrift.
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Unlike many Gauteng events, which are relatively flat, Buffelsdrift offers some gradient, which delivers the variety required for an all round mountain biking challenge. Strong climbers and skilled descenders get a chance to shine on routes that are anything but predictable. And there’s a high percentage of bush singletrack.
For the marathon event, which covers 67km, there is a total elevation gain of 767 metres, largely covered in four significant climbs. In the 43km half-marathon, there’s 358m of ascent with three notable climbs. There’s also a 20km Fun Race and a 10km Fun Ride, making it possible for all ages and fitness levels to enjoy a day of mountain biking close to Pretoria and not far from Johannesburg.
In terms of podium contenders in the marathon, the race is wide open. With the 2017 South African marathon championships taking place in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, many of the usual Nissan TrailSeeker Series podium finishers will be absent from Buffelsdrift on Saturday, opening the door for others to grab the limelight and a share of the R42 200 cash prize purse, which is equal for men and women.
“The Nissan TrailSeeker Series events are designed to offer all mountain bikers safe, well-marked, marshaled routes so that they can compete with confidence for podium places or just against their friends,” said Wessel van der Walt of Advendurance, the Series organisers.
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“We are once again expecting a big field at Buffelsdrift on Saturday. While entrants can expect some familiar sections that Buffelsdrift has become loved for, they can look forward to new, stimulating sections on neighbouring land that we have been working on for the past few weeks,” added Van der Walt.
All Nissan TrailSeeker Series events cater exceptionally well for non-riding supporters and the Buffelsdrift round will be no different in keeping family and friends comfortable and entertained while they wait for their riders to complete the event.
Entries are still open and can be done online at www.trailseekerseries.co.za
Nissan Trailseeker Buffelsdrift schedule of events:
Venue: ARC Roodeplaat, Buffelsdrift, North of Pretoria
Friday 19 May
10:00–16:00: Registration at Lynwood Cyclery, Pretoria; Centurion Cyclery, Centurion and Concept Cyclery Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Saturday 20 May
06h00–10h00: Registration
07h15: Riders briefing
07h30: Start Marathon
09h00: Start Half-marathon
10h00: Start Fun Race
10h20: Start Fun Ride
12h00: Prize giving
Photo: www.zcmc.co.za
For more information, visit www.trailseekerseries.co.za
Source: Inside Line
