One of Stellenbosch’s most exciting family-oriented mountain bike events, the Fedhealth MTB Challenge welcomes Root44 as a new venue on Saturday 09 and Sunday 10 September 2023. As the location changes, so do the routes, promising entrants a challenging, yet rewarding adventure like never before!
Paid partnership with Stillwater Sports
“Root44 is a dream venue for adventurous families that enjoy the outdoors,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We can’t wait to treat mountain bikers, young and old, to a fantastic experience on and off the bike. The Fun Ride (+-15km) features a total ascent of 300m and will consist mostly of open farm and vineyard roads with three sections of easy, non-technical single track. This event is not technical, and is guaranteed to be a fun filled, relaxed experience. Iconic sections will include the magnificent views at Stellenrust Wine Estate and the trails at Alto Estate and Ernie Else Wines.
“Featuring 580m of total ascent, the Half Marathon (+-30km) will consist of flat farm roads with long stretches of easy single track in the middle sections,” confirms Meyer. “Riders that are used to this distance, won’t find this route to be technical. There are no sudden surprises or drop-offs. Dornier’s 7km singletrack section is guaranteed to be a favourite. This event is suited both to adults who prefer the more relaxed part of mountain biking and the more competitive teenager. A word of advice, on a rainy day the trails might be slippery. Rather push your bike if it does not feel safe under the wheels.”
“The Marathon (+-60km) is for the more serious mountain biker,” continues Meyer. “With a total ascent of 1200m, this route includes open farm roads, smooth singletrack, and more technical riding at Mont Marie. The first 10km are mostly flat, before the climb towards the top of Mont Marie starts. Our route designer likes to say that ‘a technical heaven awaits’. Thereafter the Dornier loop and upper Blaauwklippen Valley awaits with landowners agreeing to open their gates for the most scenic ride. Next up is what will feel like an endless descent towards Stellenzicht Wines and into the full trail network of Alto Estate and Ernie Els Wines. The last few kilometres will be flattish. The fun sections at Mont Marie and the views at the top of the upper Blaauwklippen Valley are guaranteed to be route highlights. This route is ideal for fit mountain bikers who possess a fair amount of technical skill.”
In closing Meyer adds: “Irrespective of the distance chosen, entrants are guaranteed to have a mountain biking experience to remember at the 2023 Fedhealth MTB Challenge. With our Festival Village nestled at Root44, non-mountain biking family members and supporters are catered for as well. We can’t wait to welcome mountain bikers of all ages, family members and friends to the Fedhealth MTB Challenge in September.”
In addition to welcoming a fantastic new venue at Root44 (Stellenbosch) on Saturday, 09 and Sunday 10 September 2023, the 8th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge will also boast a R36 000 Prize Purse for riders that have entered the iconic Marathon (+- 60km).
“We are thrilled to present a prize pool of R36 000 for the 2023 Fedhealth MTB Challenge Marathon,” says Meyer. “Taking place on the Sunday, the leading male and female participants will each be rewarded with R7000. A prize of R5000 awaits the runners-up, while third-place finishers will collect R3000 each. Prize money has also been allocated to the top three performers across the following Age Categories: Sub Vet Men and Women, Vet Men and Women, and Master Men and Women.
“While the Fedhealth MTB Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity for active families to bond, it also presents a formidable test for competitive mountain bikers,” adds Meyer. “We look forward to witnessing competitive racing at the front of the field, but our greatest excitement lies in the prospect of hosting two days filled with exciting mountain biking as we cater for enthusiasts from all age groups. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the experience – secure your place on the starting line by registering today.”
View the Prize Breakdown here: https://www.stillwatersports.com/fedhealth-mtb-challenge-prize-purse/
EVENT INFORMATION:
Saturday, 09 September 2023
| Venue: | Root44, Stellenbosch |
| Event: | 15km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Fun Ride) |
| Start Time: 08:00 | |
| Entry Fee: R225.00 | |
| Event: | Fedhealth Kids MTB Events: not timed |
| Distances:
· 500m / 1 – 5 years of age · 1.5km / 6 – 9 years of age · 5km / 10 – 13 years of age |
|
| Start Time: from 10:00 | |
| Entry Fee: R100.00 |
Sunday, 10 September 2023
| Venue: | Root 44, Stellenbosch |
| Event: | +- 60km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Marathon) |
| Time: | 08:00 |
| Entry Fee: | R475.00 per rider (excludes CSA License) |
| Event: | +-30km Fedhealth MTB Challenge (Half Marathon) |
| Time: | 08:30 |
| Entry Fee: | R375.00 per rider (excludes CSA License) |
| CSA Temp Licence: | R60.00 |
| Entries Open: | Wednesday 28 June 2023 |
| Entries Close: | Monday 04 September 2023 |
The entry fee includes:
- an exclusive technical event t-shirt (Fedhealth Kids MTB Events included)
- a drawstring bag
- medals will be awarded to all finishers
FREE ENTRY: Fedhealth members can enter free of charge – simply by typing in their membership number when entering online!
CHARITY SUPPORT: When entering online, mountain biking enthusiasts can show their support for The Kindness Collaboration, the chosen charity of this fun-filled family event. Founded by Fedhealth and Operation Healing Hands (OHH), The Kindness Collaboration offers much needed support to South Africans who cannot afford quality medical care.
For more information on Root44 please visit www.root44.co.za For more information and/or to enter the 2023 Fedhealth MTB Challenge visit www.stillwatersports.com or email entries@stillwatersports.com
