On the eve of the Absa Cape Epic, the spotlight shifts to the heart of Kayamandi for one of the most electric grassroots cycling events on the calendar: the songo.info Champions Race.
Taking place tomorrow at the songo.info clubhouse, this fast-paced short-track mountain bike race brings world-class riders, local fans and the Kayamandi community together in celebration of cycling.
And the best part? You can race too.
More than a race
For nearly two decades, songo.info has used cycling as a vehicle for opportunity in Kayamandi. The organisation runs daily education support programmes, sports development, a lunch programme and tertiary education support for children growing up in the vibrant Stellenbosch township.
The Champions Race is more than a spectacle, it’s a celebration of what sport can do when communities rally behind it. The event invites riders and fans into Kayamandi to experience the energy of the township while raising awareness of the life-changing work happening at the songo.info clubhouse.
A course like no other
The race takes place on a ~2.5km short-track course that weaves through the songo.info BMX track, past the clubhouse and cheering kids, and out onto the streets of Kayamandi. Expect tight corners, punchy accelerations and an atmosphere that rivals any World Cup short track. All races follow a 20 minutes + 1 lap format, guaranteeing fast and furious racing from start to finish. And a welcome rest afterwards.
Security officers and course marshals will be on site to ensure rider and spectator safety. Secure parking is available at the Kayamandi Sports Fields, and spectator entry is free.
Race schedule
Entries are still open and there’s a race for everyone:
- 3:00–3:45pm – Course open for practice
- 4:00pm – Open / Public Champions Race
- 4:30pm – E-MTB Champions Race
- 5:00pm – Elite riders’ practice
- 5:30pm – Elite Women’s Champions Race
- 6:00pm – Elite Men’s Champions Race
- 6:30pm – Prizegiving
World-class riders on the start line
The Elite races feature an exceptional mix of Cape Epic contenders and international XCO stars currently training in Stellenbosch.
Elite Men to watch
Sam Gaze – previous Champions Race winner and one of the most explosive short-track racers in the world.
Lachlan Morton – adventure racing legend known for attacking any course with fearless aggression.
Charlie Aldridge – rising British XCO star with blistering speed on short-track circuits.
Marc Pritzen – one of South Africa’s most exciting young road and MTB talents.
Martin Freyer – African marathon champion known for relentless power.
Luke Moir – defending Champions Race winner returning to protect his title.
Also lining up: Felix Stehli, Michael Foster, Luca Martin, Cole Punchard, Unathi Nxumalo, Inus du Preez, Filip Adel and Christoph Sauser, songo.info founder and five-time Cape Epic champion.
Elite Women to watch
Jolanda Neff – Olympic champion and one of the most dynamic racers in the sport.
Kate Courtney – former world champion known for explosive XCO racing.
Vera Looser – multiple African champion and elite marathon powerhouse.
Margot Moschetti – French XCO specialist with sharp technical skills.
Rosa van Doorn – versatile racer equally strong in marathon and short-track formats.
Faranak Partoazar – trailblazer for women’s cycling in the Middle East.
Tyler Jacobs – one of South Africa’s most exciting young MTB prospects.
Also racing: Ana Santos, Amber Goldberg, Lejla Njemčević, Lara van der Vyver and Sam Sanders.
Join the action
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of racing through Kayamandi or simply want to watch world-class riders go head-to-head, the Champions Race promises a unique evening of cycling. Bring your bike. Bring your friends. Bring your voice.
Let’s pack the streets of Kayamandi and celebrate the sport we love while supporting the children whose futures are being shaped through cycling.
The songo.info Champions Race is made possible thanks to the support of Ninety One, Absa Cape Epic, Squirt Cycling Products, Biogen, vida e caffè, Ciovita and eta College.
Entries are open. Spectators are welcome. The racing starts tomorrow.
