It’s now less than three weeks to go until one of the final stage races of 2012 – the Omnicane Southern Tropical Challenge.
When you think of MTB racing heartlands, you think of the Alps, perhaps the Rockies, the Dolomites, etc. But marathon mountain biking is becoming an increasingly global sport, and it’s now made it as far as Mauritius. And in fact it’s been there for a few years now.
Organiser Yannick Lincoln is now running his 4th Omnicane Tropical Challenge. It takes place over four days, from November 29th to December 2nd. Day 1 is a 6km time trial, which is followed by three stages around the south-east of Mauritius; 65km, 85km and 50km respectively.
Varied riding terrain at the Omnicane Southern Tropical Challenge
The race follows the popular two-man team format; teams working together to get through the race, with penalties for being more than two minutes apart at the checkpoints.
Headline sponsor is Omnicane, a sugar cane company with history going back to the 1850s; and much of the race goes through some of the main sugar-cane growing regions on the south of the island, although it is run at a time of the year which means the cane plants are not obstructively big. The race should be a showcase for some of the most beautiful and remote scenery on Mauritius.
Beautiful flora as well as scenery in Mauritius – photo (c) Omnicane Southern Tropical Challenge
Last year was actually won by Lincoln himself, partnering Namibian Marc Bassingthwaighte, who was 30th at this year’s Olympic XCO event in London. There’s a spicy mix of local riders, some from mainland Africa, and even some from Europe.
Riding the race for Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team and reporting on this site will be Will Hayter and guest rider Jeff Bossler from France. Check back here for reports!