After a diabolical day in the rain and mud yesterday, the organisers extended a helping hand to the racers this morning. A 9.15am start and a stage shortened to 51km from 71km (due to trails still being exceptionally waterlogged) was welcomed by all. Leaving George under police escort kept the race in neutral before we […]
Questing the Croc
A few weeks ago, when I was wondering out loud why the hell I torture myself with so much mountain bike racing, a friend looked me straight in the face and said ‘I think you just thrive on the drama.’ She’s undeniably right, and it got me thinking that what really gets a lot of […]
Bulls reclaim the lead with stunning stage win.
Stage 4 of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek international stage race was always expected to deliver a shake-up; and it didn’t disappoint. As if the 109km with 2690m of ascent from De Rust to George wasn’t difficult enough, the riders had to conquer some exceptionally rough terrain and contend with rain and cold too. […]
Scott Factory extend lead at Cape Pioneer Trek
After a recovery drink, 4 cokes, a shower, a huge lunch, an afternoon nap, biltong, a massage and now a coffee and pancake I feel as if I’ve recovered enough to get some words out. Four days into the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek and we are we’ll and truly deep in the heart of the […]
Beukes and Buys take Queen Stage at Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek
The #swartbergshowdown lived up to its reputation today and was not without drama! The riders lined up this morning to depart Calitzdorp. With 20km of fast gravel road to start the stage, the front group stayed together until the action heated up on the first climbs. Still the group remained largely intact after it split on the […]
Bulls Defend Lead Against Flying Scott
It was battle royale on the first marathon stage of the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek. There was no illusion of a more relaxed day to take in the scenery before tomorrow’s #swartbergshowdown. Speaking of scenery we passed the majestic Redstone Cliffs in the last quarter of the race in the dash towards Calitzdorp. They […]
Bulls score first blood at Cape Pioneer Trek
The dust has settled from the first battle at the 2014 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek and unsurprisingly the Bulls team have drawn first blood. I saw unsurprisingly, because when you look at their palmares you will notice no shortage of results, notably to the South Africans is a 3rd at this year’s ABSA Cape Epic. […]
Preview: The Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek
Stage Racing in South Africa is about more than just the Cape Epic. The 7 day Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek starts on Sunday 12th October, and Chris Wolhuter will be reporting for MarathonMTB.com 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and go…. Will be the last words each of the Pioneer racers will hear before they embark […]
Perskindol Swiss Epic 2014 Highlight Video
The 2014 Perskindol Swiss Epic captured the minds of mountain bikers around the globe. Six days of racing in the Valais region, along ancient trails that traversed huge mountains and joined the stage towns of Verbier, Leukerbad, Grachen and of course Zermatt. Matt Page and Stu Spies raced for MarathonMTB.com, and covered the races here: […]
Andalucia Bike Race Prepares for 5th Edition
In a four year life, the Andalucía Bike Race has accomplished significant results that set it as one of the major mountain bike stage races in the World and leader in Spain. Ranked by the International Cycling Union (UCI) as a first class event (since 2013), it has shared out €60 000 prize money, hosted […]