With just a couple of weeks before the 2023 edition of the Gravel Travel 100 Miler, it has been announced that the event has secured a title sponsor as well as a prize-money sponsor for the winners of the overall men and women’s races. The popular Gauteng gravel race, which takes place just south of the City of Joburg on Saturday 5 August offers 160km and 60km distance options.
Paid partnership with Bomani Events & Activations
The increasing popularity of non-technical, long-distance gravel road races in South Africa made it a no-brainer for Bomani Events & Activations to present a second edition of the GT 100 Miler in 2023. The event will once again start and finish at Cafe du Cirque, Walkerville and will follow a circular route towards the Vaal Dam and back.
Shesha Fuels has been a loyal supporter of cycling and mountain biking for some years now and recently announced its support of the Gravel Travel 100 Miler 2023 as the title sponsor.
“We are thrilled and grateful to Shesha Fuels making this commitment. Their sponsorship will help us cover the event costs, all of which would have been covered by ourselves,” said Warren Williams of Bomani Events & Activations, the organising company. “The Shesha Fuels Gravel Travel 100 Miler is also now CSA sanctioned.”
Bullseye Projects has committed R30000 in prize money, with R10000 to the winning male and R10000 to the winning female in the 160km race. The rest will be spread among top finishers.
“Bullseye Projects chose to sponsor the Gravel Travel 100 miler prize money primarily to reward riders for their efforts in performing well. As a keen rider, I’ve always appreciated and respected athletes who are so disciplined in their training and I respect the efforts they make,” said Quinton Davis.
“Traditionally, cyclists are not well paid for performing well so the prize purse we are presenting will hopefully make the winners’ day and help grow these type of events.” added Davis.
The early August date should ensure a dry race, although a breeze is likely to blow, which is both a blessing (tailwind) and a curse (headwind)!
“Starting a new event in 2022, was a bit of a risk as there was always some uncertainty over whether Covid-19 restrictions could be re-implemented, which is obviously a major concern for event organisers. But it turned out to be well worth it,” explained Williams.
“A few hundred cyclists entered the race, which went off really well. There was a very positive energy as active people were so pleased to be able to do a high-volume event and interact with others that share their passion. So we are hosting the Gravel Travel 100 Miler in 2023, with some refinements,” said Nicola Biani of Bomani Events & Activations.
The 100 miler (160km) event includes just 950 metres of ascent and will follow a similar route to that of 2022. Riders depart Cafe du Cirque out of Daleside on fast gravel district roads towards Three Rivers. From there the route will head towards the Vaal Dam on a long, gradual decent. The route then takes a turn and heads back towards the south of Joburg through several farm roads and jeep track sections. From here it is about 100km to go. If you are too eager in the beginning, it is going to be a real uphill battle home!
From here, it is a slight uphill gradient for around 20km until you get a nice flowing downhill. Here is where the fun starts as the route goes through some farms and winding jeep tracks with a bit of tar here and there. As you approach the finale you will find yourself back on the fast gravel roads towards Klipriver before turning back down to Cafe du Cirque with a nice flat run into the finish.
The Gravel Travel 100 Miler is open to both gravel bikes and mountain bikes and there will be well-stocked refreshment points on the route to ensure adequate nourishment for the competitors. There is also a 60km distance with 350 metres of climbing for those not quite ready for the full distance but who still want to tackle an interesting route.
To find out more or to secure your entry, click here.
