The annual Bouckaert-Soenen Paarl Road and MTB Races on 4 and 5 February will bring thousands of cyclists to Paarl. The “Granite Conqueror” races are organised over two days by the Rotary Club of Paarl under the auspices of the Pedal Power Association (PPA). This year, the MTB races on Saturday 4 February will start and end at the Afrikaans Language Monument on Paarl Mountain. The road races start at De Poort heritage centre on Sunday 5 February, and will follow routes around Paarl Mountain. This year there will also be prizes for the best vintage biker (steel racing cycle pre-1999).
The participants (male and female) with the best combined Racetec/PPA time for the 37 km MTB and 124km road race will be eligible for vouchers totaling R8 000. Participants have the opportunity to enter both multi-stage events at a 15% discounted entry fee.
The three mountain-bike races on Paarl Mountain measure 37 km, 24 km and 15 km, starting and finishing at the monument and offer views over Table Mountain and the Peninsula, as well as the Drakenstein Mountains. There are fewer steep inclines than last year but there are some tough gradients and a compulsory portage section. The longer race is recommended for experienced cyclists only. The 24 km route starts with a touch 4.5 km climb, but cuts out the worst climbs of the long route. The 15 km MTB race is billed as a development race with affordable entry fees suitable for schoolchildren. It starts with a tough 4.5 km climb and circles Paarl Rock via Christmas Camp, Mill Water and back to the venue via Jan Phillips Drive. It is aimed at intermediate beginners and is the only route children under 12 may undertake (accompanied by an adult at all times).
Entry fees for the MTB races are R240 for the 37 km starting 06:30 (late entries R330), R200 for the MTB 24 km starting 07:00 (late entries R200), and R70 for MTB 15 km starting 07:30 (late entries R80). There will be food and drinks stall, as well as a jungle gym for the kids. Bring the family and a picnic basket along for a fun day on Paarl Mountain! Please use the online registration to limit registration delays on the day. Visit www.paarlrotary.co.za for details.
For the MTB race, take the first left in Main Street after the N1 off-ramp and follow the signs to the Language Monument.
Supported by a generous sponsorship from local textile and clothing company Bouckaert-Soenen as part of their social responsibility activities, all proceeds from the races will be channelled through Paarl Rotary towards local community development projects. For further information, contact Dale or Luc on 021 863 333 (office hours) or email info@bs.co.za.
