Sani Pass, one of South Africa’s most famous mountain roads, is creating a stir in the mountain biking community following the launch of the Mitsubishi Sani Dragon, a two-day stage race that incorporates the iconic climb. The inaugural edition of the event takes place on 25 and 26 September 2015.
Part of the mystique of Sani Pass is that it’s a rough gravel road pass linking South Africa with Lesotho and is largely only driveable by all-wheel drive vehicles – and rideable on mountain bikes.
It starts at an altitude of 1544m above sea level in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountain range and tops out at 2876m. Sani Pass itself climbs 1332 metres in just nine kilometres, making it one of the most challenging mountain roads in Southern Africa – by motor vehicle or bicycle.
In May 2014, approval was given by the Department of Environmental Affairs to tar Sani Pass. This decision has been met with emotional reactions from those for and against the resurfacing, which will cost approximately R887 million. It also means that time is limited to experience the scenic road by mountain bikes while it still has its original gravel surface.
There is no other mountain bike stage race that incorporates Sani Pass and, due to the logistical challenge of the event, the Mitsubishi Sani Dragon has a limited number of entries available.
“South African mountain bikers love a challenge. What bigger challenge than climbing and descending the legendary Sani Pass?” said Matt Goode, organiser of the Mitsubishi Sani Dragon. “With so many stage races on the calendar these days, rider experience and race route are key elements and we have focussed heavily on those two aspects.
“Sani Dragon may only be a two-day race, but with the huge support of the local communities of Underberg and Himeville, the spectacular mountain terrain, and the prospect of having conquered the iconic Sani Pass, we’re confident those two days will be both fulfilling and rewarding.”
Day 1 will be approximately 70km in distance and will form a large loop incorporating some of the most scenic district roads, jeep tracks and singletrack in the Underberg and Himeville area.
Day 2 will be just over 60km in distance and will be highlighted by the climb to the summit of Sani Pass before returning back to the Underberg Farmers Association Showgrounds and the annual UFA Show, where the race village will be based.
There will also be a DRAGON LITE option with shorter distances of approximately 40km each day and a climb on Day 2 to the South African border post, without the haul up and down Sani Pass.
Both events will use the popular two-rider team format but there will be limited availability for solo riders too. Entries close on 14 August, 2015.
For more information contact the event organisers by email at info@sanidragon.co.za, or to enter online, visit www.sanidragon.co.za.
