Despite taking a double knock from the economic recession and the Covid-19 restrictions, South Africa is still the mountain bike stage race capital of the world. If you’re looking at doing a stage race in 2023, or want some useful information on each stage race, we’ve compiled a list to make it easier for you.
By our count, there are 41 stage races on the 2023 calendar. We know this isn’t all of them, because some that took place in 2022 haven’t confirmed their 2023 dates yet. And are still likely to. As we get more info from stage races, we will add to this listing.
We have given basic information, including distances and accumulated ascent where it is listed on the event’s website. It’s best to link through to the official event website for more details and to enter. If we don’t have your stage race listed for 2023, please email the information to sean@treadmtb.co.za and we’ll add it.
By our standards, a stage race comprises at least two consecutive days of formal racing. There have been a few events that are multi-day rides, not races, which we are prepared to list as long as they are professionally organised.
Thursday 25-Sunday 28 May
Great Zuurberg Trek
Addo, Eastern Cape
Stage 1: 60km, 1450m | Stage 2: 80km, 1400m | Stage 3: 48km, 1200m
More info here.
Saturday 27-Sunday 28 May
Amohela Classic
Clarens, Free State
Thaba E Kholo – Stage 1: 48km, 1150m | Stage 2: 57km, 950m
Thaba E Nyenyane – Stage 1: 33km 85m | Stage 2: 47km, 620m
More info here.
JUNE
Friday 2-Sunday 4 June
Rubicon Great Zuurberg Trek eBike Ride
Addo, Eastern Cape
Stage 1: 60km, 1450m | Stage 2: 60km, 1300m | Stage 3: 48km, 1200m
More info here.
Saturday 3-Friday 9 June
Old Mutual Go2Berg
Frankfort, Free State
Prologue: 20km | Stage 1: 90km | Stage 2: 110km | Stage 3: 90km | Stage 4: 75km | Stage 5: 80km
More info here.
Sunday 4-Wednesday 7 June
Imana Wild Ride Race the Tide
Great Kei River, Eastern Cape
Stage 1: 50km | Stage 2: 35km | Stage 3: 50km | Stage 4: 60km
More info here.
Monday 5-Friday 9 June
Imana Wild Ride Ride the Wave
Great Kei River, Eastern Cape
Stage 1: 50km | Stage 2: 35km | Stage 3: 50km | Stage 4: 60km
More info here.
Friday 16-Sunday 18 June
Trans-Augrabies
Augrabies Falls National Park, Northern Cape
Stage 1: 82km, 1167m | Stage 2: 90km, 962m | Stage 3: 57km, 591m
More info here.
Friday 16-Sunday 18 June
Standard Bank Berg and Bush Descent
Emseni, KwaZulu-Natal
Stage 1: 80km, 1077m | Stage 2: 57km, 827m | Stage 3: 58km, 1097m
More info here.
Saturday 24-Sunday 25 June
Standard Bank Berg and 2-Day
Emseni, KwaZulu-Natal
Stage 1: 59km| Stage 2: 49km
More info here.
AUGUST
Friday 11-Sunday 13 August
Glacier Storms River Traverse
Storms River Village, Western Cape
Stage 1: 63km, 950m | Stage 2: 50km, 670m | Stage 3: 50.7km, 830m
More info here.
Friday 25-Sunday 27 August
Magoeba Trek, presented by Insect Science
Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
The Race – Stage 1: +/-70km, +/-1500m | Stage 2: +/-70km, +/-1500m | Stage 3: +/-70km, +/-1500m
The Trail – Stage 1: +/-40km, +/-800m | Stage 2: +/-40km, +/-800m | Stage 3: +/-40km, +/-800m
More info here.
SEPTEMBER
Friday 1-Sunday 3 September
Namaqua Quest
Springbok, Northern Cape
Stage 1: 63km 696m | Stage 2: 55km, 1101m | Stage 3: 51km, 929m
More info here.
Sunday 3-Saturday 9 September
Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Approximately 70km, 1200m per day
More info here.
Wednesday 6-Saturday 9 September
Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek Adventure, presented by Biogen
Oudtshoorn, Western Cape
Approximately 70km, 1200m per day
More info here.
Saturday 21-Monday 23 September
Dr Evil Classic
Plett, Western Cape
Stage 1: 70.2km, 1354m | Stage 2: 47.6km, 678m | Stage 3: 39.4km, 706m
More info here.
Friday 22-Sunday 24 September
Ride the Karoo #1
Middelburg, Eastern Cape
Stage 1: 20km, 230m | Stage 2: 72km, 660m | Stage 3: 48km, 520m
More info here.
Friday 29 September-Sunday 1 October
Ride the Karoo #2
Middelburg, Eastern Cape
Stage 1: 20km, 230m | Stage 2: 72km, 660m | Stage 3: 48km, 520m
More info here.
OCTOBER
Friday 20-Sunday 22 October
FNB Wines2Whales Chardonnay
200km, 4500m
More info here.
Monday 23-Wednesday 25 October
FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage
200km, 4500m
More info here.
Friday 27-Sunday 29 October
FNB Wines2Whales Pinotage
200km, 4500m
More info here.
NOVEMBER
Saturday 11-Sunday 12 November
To Hell and Back
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Stage 1: 66km 1820m | Stage 2: 66km, 2150m
More info here.
Saturday 18-Sunday 19 November
Savanna Origin of Trails
Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Marathon – Stage 1: 45km | Stage 2: 40km
Half-marathon – Stage 1: 30km | Stage 2: 30km
More info here.
