![\"ccs-62657-0-26820200-1453292854.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-26820200-1453292854.jpg\")
<\/a>Matt Beers at Diepwalle Forest, Karoo to Coast 2015. \u00a9 Desmond Scholtz<\/span><\/p>\nBeers, who originally hails from Knysna, won\u2019t be enjoying too much of the scenery up the sharp end of the race however, as he looks to defend his title in 2016. \u201cThe racing is super fast all the time,\u201d he commented. \u201cEveryone is checking who has legs on the day. There’s a lot of attacking in the early stages of the race, especially if there are some big teams with riders looking after the strongest rider the team. In that respect its very similar to a road race \u2013 extremely tactical.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fast, flowing district roads make for super fast racing,\u201d agreed defending women\u2019s champ Robyn de Groot (Ascendis Health). De Groot will be hunting a hat trick, having claimed the title in both 2014 and 2015. \u201cIt does remind me somewhat of road racing, where bunches are vital,\u201d she said. \u201cThere are some nice punchy climbs which allow for some good racing!\u201d <\/p>\n
In the interest of maintaining the quality of the iconic event (and to ease the registration process) the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna has decided that only 4200 entries will be made available in 2016. These entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.<\/p>\n
No substitutions will be allowed after 15 August. The entry fee is R450.00 and includes dinner in Uniondale on Saturday 17th September. The event is owned by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna and all proceeds from the event go to Sightfirst, the South African Guide Dog Association and other urgent needs in the community.<\/p>\n