Anticipation is building in the cycling community as Fedgroup prepares to host the second edition of the Fedgroup Cradle 100, a premier mountain bike race and standout event on the Gauteng calendar. Taking place on 11 and 12 April 2026 at the spectacular Avianto Estate, with an exciting new starting point at Syringa Park, this year’s event promises to elevate the experience for racers, families and supporters alike.
Set against the iconic backdrop of the Cradle of Humankind, this MTB race blends serious competition with an inclusive, festival-style atmosphere. With Johannesburg in holiday mode that weekend, it’s the perfect excuse to turn your cycling race entry into a full weekend escape.
Where endurance meets elevation
At the heart of the event lies the two-day stage race – a full 100km of purpose-built racing designed to test legs and tactical nous. Stage 1 covers 45km with approximately 800m of ascent, followed by Stage 2 with 55km and around 900m of climbing.
Across both days, riders can expect flowing and technical singletrack, with trail conditions ranging from fast-rolling hardpack to loose-over-hardpack, plus sections of bedrock and stone that add bite. Competitors will tackle established and iconic trails while also discovering new routes that will ultimately form part of the expanding Fedgroup Trails network.
One day, all the glory
For riders who prefer a single day of racing, the Fedgroup Cradle 100 offers 45km, 25km and 10km options, ensuring riders of all ages and ambitions can participate. The 45km race includes senior (19 to 29), sub-veteran (30 to 39), veteran (40 to 49) and master (50+) categories. The 25km race caters for juniors (18 to 19), youth (16 to 17) and sub-juniors (14 to 15), while the 10km event welcomes sprogs (11 to 12) and nippers (7 to 10). Across the 45km and 25km races, the top three overall male and female finishers will earn podium recognition and prizes. The event also welcomes eBike participants, broadening accessibility while maintaining its competitive edge.
Serious rewards for serious racing
As expected, Fedgroup is once again putting substantial prize money behind the Fedgroup Cradle 100. This year’s “Cash or Double It” concept allows podium finishers to take their cash prize on the day or double the value of their winnings by choosing to take home a Fedgroup Secured Investment.
Prize breakdown:
| Race type | Category | Position | Prize value |
| One-day race (45km) | Overall | Top 3 finishers overall | 1st place – R10 000 2nd place – R7 000 3rd place – R2 500 Option to double prize value with a Secured Investment up to R20 000 plus a goodie bag |
| Senior, sub-vet, vet, master | Top 3 finishers in each category | Goodie bags | |
| One-day race (25km) | Overall | Top 3 finishers overall | 1st place – R2 000 2nd place – R1 000 3rd place – R500 plus a goodie bag |
| Sub junior, youth, junior | Top 3 finishers in each category | Goodie bags | |
| One-day race (10km) | Sprogs & nippers | Top 3 finishers in each category | Goodie bags |
| Two-day stage race | Overall | Top 3 finishers overall | 1st place – R10 000 2nd place – R7 000 3rd place – R2 500 Option to double prize value with a Secured Investment up to R20 000 plus a goodie bag |
| Senior, sub-vet, vet, master | Top 3 finishers in each category | 1st place – R2 000 2nd place – R1000 3rd place – R500 plus a goodie bag |
*Please note that these are the prize categories for both men and ladies.
All entrants receive a race pack, and every finisher earns a commemorative medal. Riders will also have access to bike wash facilities, a post-race recovery area and will receive free food and coffee coupons for each race day.
Built for racing. Perfect for training
For serious amateurs and elite riders, April is prime racing season and the Fedgroup Cradle 100 serves as an ideal benchmark within a structured training programme. The back-to-back stage format tests endurance, recovery and tactical execution, essential components for riders targeting larger national or international events.
Race Director Andrew Grobler believes that’s exactly what sets the event apart, “A two-day stage race is about pacing correctly on day one, managing recovery, and coming back stronger on day two. And this race format is perfect to prepare riders for bigger challenges later in the season.”
So much more than just a race
While the racing is competitive, the atmosphere remains welcoming and family-friendly. Avianto Estate provides a vibrant race village hub, with spectator points located within 500 metres of the start/finish area so supporters can stay close to the action.
There will be entertainment for kids and refreshments and food on sale at Syringa Park. With Johannesburg enjoying a holiday lull, the Fedgroup Cradle 100 becomes more than just a mountain bike race. It’s a gathering point for the community where competition, camaraderie and family time intersect.
Your April plans, sorted
The second edition of the Fedgroup Cradle 100 builds confidently on its debut: a new starting point at Syringa Park, expanded trails, meaningful prize money, and a professional race feel wrapped in a family-friendly weekend. What more can one ask for?
Entries for the stage race saw an incredible response last year, and organisers expect the one-day events to fill up quickly as race weekend approaches. If you’re planning your 2026 calendar of mountain bike events, this one deserves a bold circle.
Secure your entry here.
See what riders had to say last year:
The Fedgroup Cradle 100 is calling. The trails are ready. Will you join us on the start line?
