It was a cool start to Stage 1 of the 8th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience in Stellenbosch on Saturday 27 November 2021. Photo: Chris HitchcockIt was a cool start to Stage 1 of the 8th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience in Stellenbosch on Saturday 27 November 2021.
Affectionately dubbed the “MTB Party of the year”, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience is an individual 2-day MTB Stage Race that highlights the beauty and splendor of the City of Oaks. Over the two-day period mountain bikers will be treated to a vast network of world-class and exclusive trails while celebrating the origin of SA mountain biking.
The 2021 event attracted the attention of former Springbok Joel Stransky. “This is the first time that I take part in the event,” says Stransky. “I was supposed to be commentating today, so when I saw that there was an opportunity to do the Savanna Origin of Trails and go to the rugby, I thought I’d couple the two and come down for the full weekend. The stage was beautiful. It was a little wet last night and everybody was worried, but it was fine out there. The trails are just magnificent. Working in Joburg I don’t get down here often to ride them, so it was a real special occasion. I’m looking forward to Stage 2. I’ve heard it’s fantastic in Banhoek, but I’ve never ridden there, so I’m looking forward to it. It should be different and a nice way to finish the weekend.”
Eager not to miss the “MTB Party of the year”, Susanna Borg travelled all the way from Windhoek (Namibia) to be part of the experience. “We just came down to ride,” says a very happy Borg. “The stage was wonderful, especially the single track, it’s very smooth, nice and wet and grippy. There was just a great variety of terrain. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
Stellenbosch local, Lorenzo Le Roux had a great time on route. “The stage was very nice,” says Le Roux. “The event takes place in my playground, so I really enjoyed it. This is my last event for the year. Thank you Savanna for the entry.”
Stage 1 of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience featured a +-45km Marathon and a +-27km Half Marathon Route. Both distances started and finished at the Stellenbosch High School with mountain bikers being treated to long single-track climbs, fun filled technical descents and open road flat sections. Iconic sections included the Jonkershoek Trails, while farms that were traversed included Lanzerac, Rudera Wines, Old Nectar Gardens, Ride In and Rivierbosch.
Up Next: Stage Two / 2021 Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience
Date: Sunday 28 November 2021
Festival Village (Start & Finish): Stellenbosch High School
Format: Two-Day Stage Race for individual entrants
Categories, Distances & Entry Fee:
Full Marathon
Age: 18+
Distance Day 2: +-40km
Half Marathon
Age: 18+
Distance Day 2: +-22km
The entry fee includes:
• Finisher Technical Rider Tee
• Finisher Medal
• Race Number
• Trail Access Fees
• Spectacular on route experience
• Access to world class routes that are usually not open to the public
• A light breakfast pack with coffee on both days
• A scrumptious lunch pack on both days
• Complimentary drinks and refreshments
• Well stocked water points (on route and in the race village)
• Entertainment (on route and in the race village)
• An impressive selection of gifts from our sponsors including Beet It Sport, Savanna and THIRSTI.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Savanna Origin of Trails proudly supports the Stellenbosch Trail Fund.
PLEASE NOTE: The event organisers will at all times adhere to Government Regulations regarding COVID-19.
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For more information or to enter the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience please email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.
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