Perfect Conditions Predicted for a Blistering Trans Baviaans

The 230km, 24 hour, Trans Baviaans is upon us, with the first event taking place this weekend; from the 13th to the 14th of August 2016. The weather prediction is looking good and there’s even a chance of a tail wind in the Baviaans Kloof, but be warned the Trans Baviaans didn’t earn the tagline of the toughest single stage MTB race in the world easily.

The Trans Baviaans route profile. Click on the image to download a high-resolution version.
The Trans Baviaans route profile. Click on the image to download a high-resolution version.

The full weather prediction for the race is for clear but chilly conditions, with a slight tail wind – perfect for the race favourites to set a blistering time. For the riders expecting to finish closer to the 24-hour cut-off time though getting the careful packing of checkpoint boxes will be essential. The roads in the Baviaans Kloof are notoriously rugged and this year will be no different. Riders can also expect a moderate amount of water on route, with the area receiving steady recent rains, but nothing significant in the final week leading into the first event riders can expect numerous but no particularly challenging river crossings.

For 2016 the Trans Baviaans will also be implementing a few exciting new features on the back of staging a second running of the Trans Baviaans in 2015. Official nutrition sponsor, PowerBar will be providing their Tour de France proved race nutrition at every checkpoint for both 2016 events. Moreover, new sponsor First Choice®, the proud producers of farm fresh milk, will be providing riders with a selection of their products including their flavoured milks at each checkpoint and a High Protein Recovery drink on the top of the mountain at Bergplaas. There will also be a Trans Baviaans Expo at the registration in Willowmore on Friday the 12th of August. Event sponsors Momsen Bikes, Extreme Lights, Capestorm and Oakley will be showing off their latest products and some Trans Baviaans specific gear. While for the riders who would like to take the edge off the nerves and catch up with the familiar faces from previous Trans Baviaans races the Darling Brew Coldspot will be worth a visit for a craft beer or two.

The Trans Baviaans starts at 10:00 to ensure that even the fastest riders will ride out of an African sunset and into the night. Photo by Peter Kirk Media.
The Trans Baviaans starts at 10:00 to ensure that even the fastest riders will ride out of an African sunset and into the night.
Photo by Peter Kirk Media.

A capacity 1 200 riders will line up in Knysna Road, Willowmore, for the start of the Trans Baviaans at 10:00 on Saturday morning. The pre-race favourites include the PowerBar pairing of Billy Sterling and Lourens Luus, while the women’s race is expected to be tightly contested between Hannele Steyn and Tina Brenzel, and Theresa Ralph and Amy McDougall. The super-fast locals, Yolandi de Villiers, Johan Labgaschagne and Neill Ungerer will surely be the mixed team to beat.

The Baviaans Kloof is the largest wilderness area in South Africa and a World Heritage Site, so being able to ride through it is a unique experience. It’s an experience that EcoBound Events are endeavouring to share with non-riders and mountain biking fanatics who couldn’t secure an entry for the 2016 Trans Baviaans by keeping the world outside the Baviaans Kloof updated via social media. Though the remoteness of the kloof presents considerable challenges plans have been put in place to ensure you can follow the Trans Baviaans action from home like never before. Follow @EcoBoundMTB on Twitter, @transbaviaans on Instagram, and like the Trans Baviaans Facebook page to stay updated throughout the weekend. For more information on the Trans Baviaans, please visit www.transbaviaans.co.za.

Trans Baviaans is famous for its river crossings and you can expect to get your feet wet this year, even with the rivers at a moderate level. Photo by Jacques Marias | Sony.
Trans Baviaans is famous for its river crossings and you can expect to get your feet wet this year, even with the rivers at a moderate level.
Photo by Jacques Marias | Sony.
Fast Facts: Trans Baviaans Race 1
Dates: 13 & 14 August
Registration: 12 August from 14:00 | Willowmore Town Hall
Start: 13 August 10:00 | Knysna Street, Willowmore
Finish: 14 August by 10:00 | Fountains Mall, Jeffery’s Bay
Distance: 227km
Altitude Gain: 2 843m
Cut-Offs: Check Point 4, Bergplaas, 02:00 | Finish, Fountains Mall, 10:00
Website: www.transbaviaans.co.za
Facebook: Trans Baviaans
Twitter: @EcoBoundMTB
Instagram: @transbaviaans
Hashtags: #TransBaviaans | #WhereTeamSpiritGetsAWholeNewMeaning
For 2016 the Trans Baviaans gets a new tag line: “Where Team Spirit Gets A Whole New Meaning. Photo by Jacques Marais | Sony.
For 2016 the Trans Baviaans gets a new tag line: “Where Team Spirit Gets A Whole New Meaning.
Photo by Jacques Marais | Sony.

 

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