If you haven’t entered the 2025 KAP sani2c yet and you’d like to find out more, meet the team at their upcoming roadshows. All those who join will receive a gift as well as being put into a draw to win a KAP sani2c 2025 entry! For those already entered, join the roadshow to hear what’s in store at the 21st edition of this iconic journey from the Drakensberg mountains to the sea. You can expect a fun ride together, followed by a coffee and chat.
Paid partnership with KAP sani2c
2025 KAP sani2c roadshows
Gauteng: Sunday 2 March 2025, Taroko Trail Park, Modderfontein, JHB (Ride 7:00am, coffee 8:30am)
Cape Town: Saturday 29 March 2025, Contermanskloof MTB Trails, Durbanville (Ride 7:30am, coffee 9:00am)
Durban: Saturday 5 April 2025, Giba Gorge MTB Park, Hillcrest (Ride 7:00am, coffee 8:30am)
If you’re not sure if you’ll be fit to ride in mid-May, here are some tips and information about the training programmes on offer. There is also the option of a customised plan to get you ready in time, and based on your schedule.
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Tips for tackling sani2c
Johann Wykerd is the head coach at Absolute Motion. He has been coaching since 1999 and has developed the sani2c training programmes. He says: “The coaches at Absolute Motion have been part of sani2c from the very start and we have seen how the route, the logistics and the race villages have evolved. One of the things that has probably evolved the most is the preparation and training. Twenty years ago we just got on our bikes and aimed them towards the coast. Now, the majority of participants follow some kind of structured guidance to prepare for the event.
“And this is a great thing. By preparing properly you will enjoy the event more, but you will also be fitter and healthier, and this is the true spirit of the KAP sani2c … to be a conduit for people to be healthier, happier and to enjoy life.”
It’s not an easy ride
“I can’t recall exactly how many sani2c events I have done, I think it’s eight. I did the first sani2c in 2005… and I’ve joined the race every few years since then, including the 20th event last year.
“People often say that sani2c is easy … that the trails are ‘manicured’. In my experience sani2c is not easy at all. The distances are long every day and although the end point is lower than the start point, the climbs are proper. For me sani2c is always a challenge. There are other races in South Africa where I can just “wing it” … but you don’t wing it at sani2c.”
He says the two key things about training are consistency and recovery. “Consistent efforts are far more important than doing a very long ride every now and again, and you must respect the recovery weeks, because this is when you grow.”
Coach’s tips for each stage
Stage 1: The first 30 kms seem easy and everyone is excited. That excitement can cost you. Communicate with your partner and focus on riding at your own pace from the start. Then bear in mind that the last 10 km to Mackenzie Club has a sting. Don’t skip the last water station. Fuel up, because the end of the day may be close, but it bites.
Stage 2: Once you have completed the Umko Drop section you will reach water station 2. Make sure to fuel up here as the next 15 km is hard going, especially if it’s hot. The belief is that the Unitrans Iconic Climb is the hardest part of day 2 … but for me it’s the 15km after water station 2.
Stage 3: I love this day! Look out for Clint’s Climb, which is nasty. And bear in mind that the speed through the sugar cane just after the start can be chaotic, and if it’s wet, very slippery.
Conquering Iconic?
Coach says that while he has done sani2c many times, he has managed to ride up the Unitrans Iconic Climb less than 50% of the time: “This is a beast! But I do think it gets more rideable every year. The two main things you have to focus on are line choice and keeping momentum. You need to look further up the trail to plan where you are going to. Iconic has some ruts and rocks and if you don’t plan your lines you will get stuck. Then to keep your momentum, you need to be smooth. If you fight your bike you are going to lose the battle. Use your gears … too easy and you will be out of breath long before you reach the top, and too heavy and you will come to a grinding halt.”
How to take on the Umko Drop
There are two ways of getting down the spectacular descent into the Umkomaas Valley.
- As fast as you can, and this will require you to focus on the trail completely.
- The scenic way.
If you are looking at option one, here are some tips: Don’t look at the view. Keep your eyes on the trail and look ahead. Your bike will go where you look, so don’t stare at obstacles for too long. Keep your pedals horizontal and lift your bum slightly off the saddle. This will move your centre of gravity to the lowest point on your frame which will result in much better balance. Use both brakes. And smile!
If you are thinking of going for option 2, just remember, there are lots of people behind you who may have chosen option 1. So please only stop when the trail is wide enough for you to do so, and before you resume your journey down the Umko, make sure there is not a fast rider approaching.
Getting the training done
The KAP sani2c training plans are aimed at the average working mom or dad who needs to balance family, work and their sport, irrespective of their racing experience. Some of the programmes are underway but if you missed the start, you can hop on to the next one on 3 March.
“We understand that to train on a Monday is difficult with all the planning for the week ahead, and also that training on a Friday is not fun. So our training plans are built around 2 intervals (harder workout days) on Tuesday and Thursday, with an easy, endurance-focused ride on Wednesdays, and the volume of the training on the weekend,” says Johann.
If you need a customised training plan to suit your personal constraints, you can liaise directly with the team at Absolute Motion. The sani2c training plans are provided through the Training Peaks app, and the free version is all you need to access the programme.
Some of the reasons our coach keeps coming back
“The trails, manicured or not … are just awesome!
The people … sani2c is a family and the vibe and good times, the whole way, is fantastic.
The journey … I know being based in one place is easier. But that’s just a race. sani2c is a journey. You start in the shadows of the Drakensberg and you finish on the beach. It’s special!”
Head over to https://sani2c.co.za/prepare/training and choose the coaching option that best suits you. (You can use a 100% off voucher code of ‘Sani2c’ if you have entered the event)
Enter at www.sani2c.co.za
7 – 9 May: The Adventure
8 – 10 May: “OG”
