![\"BridgeCPT2013sceniclrweb.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-90790600-1378473880.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>The Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek, one of the most scenic mountain bike stage races in the world, has been granted UCI status from 2014.<\/em><\/span><\/span>
Photo credit: Karin Schermbrucker<\/strong><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n
The seven-day stage race, which takes place each year in late October in the Western Cape province, has shown appropriate compliance to the UCI\u2019s grading criteria. It will begin as a UCI S2 level status event, the first tier of three for international stage races and can improve its grading over time. The ABSA Cape Epic is the only other South African stage race that holds a UCI grading.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very pleased with this news. It\u2019s been on our list of goals for some time. With not many other international stage races taking place in October, we felt that the combination of the Cape Pioneer Trek\u2019s quality race route, high organisational standards and its calendar position, would all work in our favour,\u201d said Henco Rademeyer, Cape Pioneer Trek Race Director.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a essentially a badge of prestige that attracts a higher level of international riders at the competitive end of the race. That\u2019s not to say we\u2019ll take any focus off the enjoyment factor for the majority of the entrants, who will, from next year be competing alongside a number of the world\u2019s best racers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UCI status echoes the level of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek as a world class race and it yet again strengthens our pride in being the title sponsor of such a esteem event,\u201d said Emile Aldum, Bridge CEO.<\/p>\n
The fifth edition of the Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek, which takes place from 20-26 October, has attracted some of the biggest names in the world of women\u2019s marathon mountain bike racing. The UCI grading will ensure even more top women and a strong international men\u2019s field in 2014 too.<\/p>\n
By being granted UCI status, a race is obliged to offer a minimum amount of prizemoney in Euros and pay prizemoney down to at least 10th<\/sup> position in the men and women\u2019s Elite categories on each stage and in the General Classification rankings at the end of the event. Graded events also offer UCI rankings points to top performing riders.<\/p>\n