Mountain bike races are primarily remembered – or forgotten – by the engagement level of their route. The race route for the Fedgroup Cradle 100, a new 100km two-day stage race near Johannesburg in April 2025, has been mapped, and promises to be challenging, but rewarding and one that will be remembered long after the race.
Paid partnership with Fedgroup
Singletrack is highly appreciated in mountain biking. Flowing singletrack is a mountain biker’s Holy Grail. Add great scenery and potential encounters with a range of South African wildlife, and you have a mountain bike race route that’s as close to perfect as you can get.
The Fedgroup Cradle 100 stage takes place at Avianto Estate Clubhouse on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April 2025. The 45km Stage 1 route will explore some of the existing, but revamped trails around Avianto Estate Clubhouse and head into new routes and trails on private land to the south of the Cradle of Humankind. Access to this land is only by arrangement, which means the sections of the route will be new to all participants.
“We’re excited to have the buy-in of the landowners in this area, including Farmhouse 58 and neighbours,” said Andrew Grobler, Fedgroup Cradle 100 Race Director. “What this land offers is quite a bit of elevation. So, while 45km may not sound formidable in terms of distance, don’t underestimate it! My advice is to make sure you are prepared for some challenging climbs on this stage.”
As with Stage 1, Stage 2 will start and finish at Avianto Estate Clubhouse, but will head towards Cradle Moon Conservancy, where the route will incorporate some of the game reserve’s best features. The trails at Cradle Moon are established and open to the public, so riding them in preparation for the race will be useful.
“At Cradle Moon we have great options and will ensure that Stage 2 of the Fedgroup Cradle 100 provides participants with a good balance of challenges and rewards. With a race route, we are able to use sections of the routes in reverse to the usual direction, which gives even regular Cradle Moon riders a fresh perspective and different challenges,” said Grobler.
Special access has been granted by neighbouring Glenburn Lodge to incorporate their land for the Fedgroup Cradle 100 route. This means Grobler and his team have some more elevation to work with, so expect Stage 2 to also include some proper climbs. New trails have already been cut on Glenburn Lodge land and will still be refined over the next couple of months so that they’re pristine for race weekend.
“Yes, some of the existing trails will be used for the Fedgroup Cradle 100. But, on both stages there will be parts of the route that aren’t accessible at any other time of the year. As most experienced mountain bikers will know, singletrack requires a high level of focus and a reasonable level of confidence to ride at speed. However, it’s far more engaging than gravel roads and therefore more enjoyable and memorable. And that’s our objective with the race route for the Fedgroup Cradle 100 – to incorporate a high volume of singletrack and make it unforgettable” added Grobler.
ONE-DAY RACE
For those who feel the stage race is too formidable, Stage 1 of the Fedgroup Cradle 100 will also be treated as a one-day race. Saturday, 12 April will offer a stimulating 45km race that is sure to appeal to a wide range of mountain bikers.
To find out more or to enter the inaugural Fedgroup Cradle 100, click here.
