The Leverage Corporation is proud to announce the 13th staging of the Route 66 MTB & Trail Run Experience. Not only does this very popular stage race have a fantastic headline sponsor in the form of Luxliner this year, but it has also been granted UCI status, making it the only UCI event of its kind in Gauteng. The Luxliner Route 66 MTB Experience will take place from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th March 2023.
The annual event is a multi-stage race and one of the best starting races in the year, ideal for those riders looking for a last big ride in preparation for The ABSA Cape Epic that takes place two weeks later. Race director, Rob Jackson of the Leverage Corporation says the well-prepared route is also ideal for those wanting an altitude workout. The variable conditions are equally ideal for riders planning to participate in the Investec Great Kei Trek or the Sani2C a little later in the season.
Stephen Pitcher, CEO of Luxliner, comments, “We are honoured to be part of the first UCI Luxliner Route 66. Being in the passenger transport and logistics game, we understand what it takes to get safely from one point to another, no matter the obstacles. Riders in the Route 66 MTB Experience know how to overcome challenges so it will be a privilege to celebrate such hard-earned achievements.”
And for the ‘non hardcore’ enthusiasts who are just keen to go out and try something a little more challenging than normal there will be some shorter distances. Distances vary from 40km to 260km depending on the stage package riders select.
“The course winds through the beautiful Cradle of Humankind area and the Magaliesburg surrounds, offering riders a chance to enjoy the area’s natural beauty while pushing themselves to the limit. The routes are a mix of technical single track, flowing jeep track and open gravel, all designed to be challenging, but accessible, to riders of all skills levels,” says Jackson.
There are five race options to choose from, including the Junior (under 19 riders) and Couples challenges. As usual, the race village at the mountain bike hub on the Mount Grace Hotel & Spa estate will offer food and refreshments, shower facilities and a relaxing atmosphere after a hard day’s ride for post-race Prize Giving.
New enhancements of the 2023 event include:
- 45km Prologue on Thursday 2nd March for 4-Day riders. This will take place at Asidlale Bike Park situated in the Leeuwkop Prison grounds
- Stage 1 starts at Valverde Eco Hotel in The Cradle of Humankind on Friday and then continues at a single venue, The Mount Grace Hotel & Spa, from Friday afternoon for the rest of the weekend.
- Famed mountain pass, Breedt’s Nek, is now part of the route – both up and down – providing a long, tough gravel section with gradients of 1:10.
- Increased Overall General Classification Prize monies as per UCI regulations.
Jackson says part of The Leverage Corporation’s event model is to include trail run races. Serious and family trail runners or walkers can enjoy a choice of four distances from 5km, 10km 15km or 20km and get into nature that offers breath-taking views, a great vibe and camaraderie. The routes themselves range from challenging climbs for the longer-distance runners, to smooth-flowing trails for the novice.
Entries for the MTB close on Sunday 19th of February 2023. Trail Run entries close on the 26th of February, so participants are encouraged to get all the info and sign-up online at www.route66mtb.co.za.
