The newest addition to our mountain bike event calendar, the 2013 Lesotho Sky, looks set to provide endurance mountain bikers with another incredible opportunity to discover the beauty (and challenges) of African mountain biking.
The six-day stage race takes place within the borders of the Kingdom of Lesotho, which is landlocked by its neighbouring country, the Republic of South Africa. Unsurprisingly, for a nation known as the “Mountain Kingdom”, the event dishes up 11,500 metres of climbing across its 450km route.
The event has grown quickly. From 20 2-person teams at this year’s race to 50 pairs for 2013 and beyond.
As much an opportunity for visiting competitors, the race is also an important opportunity for local riders to experience international racing. This year, the field comprised 6 all-Basotho (the name of the Lesotho people) pairings. Organiser Christian Schmidt says that although opportunities for endurance mountain biking in Lesotho are somewhat limited, the local riders shouldn’t be underestimated.
“The Basotho are probably the fittest people on bikes in the whole of Africa,” said Schmidt. “They’re also known for long hikes on footpaths, cattle tracks and single track through the mountains and the Lesotho Sky Event is the only opportunity to test their legs against riders from the rest of the world.”
Riders negotiate the stones during the 2012 Lesotho Sky. Image: Lesotho Sky
Looking forward to a big future in Lesotho
The race has enjoyed rapid growth since its inaugural edition in 2011, and will expand from 20 2-person teams to 50 pairs for 2013. In spite of its relative youth, as Schmidt explains in the video below, organisers and locals are determined to provide participants with a high quality racing experience.
And for evidence of those aforementioned hills (and some big smiles) check out the wrap-up of this year’s final stage:
Entries are open now for the 2013 edition of the race, which runs from September 23-27. Entries limited to 100 competitors (50 2-person teams). You can register here, or for more information about the event visit the Lesotho Sky website, or their Facebook and Twitter pages.