![\"BellCombrinckCPT2013launchweb.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-2-0-31275700-1371042067.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nTeam Westvaal BMC’s Gawie Combrinck (left) and Nico Bell, the 2012 champions, at the Johannesburg launch of the 2013 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Photo credit: Zoon Cronje <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The total distance of 549 kilometers over seven days is very reasonable and in line with the organizers\u2019 quest to deliver quality distance, not quantity distance. The ratio of vertical ascent isn\u2019t excessive, but it\u2019s relatively high and indicative of the gradient the route will cover. There\u2019s a total of 11 657 meters of vertical ascent, which is spread very evenly throughout the event.<\/p>\n As with 2012, the 2013 edition incorporates a mountain-top stage finish that\u2019s once again sure to be the main talking point of the race. Day 3, Stage 2 covers a distance of 92km but includes a total ascent of 2760 meters. This averages out to 30 meters of ascent per kilometer, much of which comes in the final 30km.<\/p>\n The final climb up the Swartberg Pass is 12km in distance and climbs 1100 meters, giving it a HC (out of category) rating, unique in South Africa. Also unique is the R100 000 (US $10 000) prize for the first team to cross the finish line.<\/p>\n Master of Ceremonies, Gerald de Kock, addresses the guests at the Johannesburg launch of the 2013 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Photo credit: Zoon Cronje <\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a relatively short stage, but we have added some tough sections before the riders reach the final climb to the finish. This will ensure that the stage winning team really has to be good allround mountain bikers and not just strong climbers,\u201d said Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management, the organizers.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re constantly looking to add more soul to the Cape Pioneer Trek and with our adjustment in making the route shorter, we\u2019ve been able to spend time creating great riding experiences in some of the most dramatic and varied terrain of any race anywhere,\u201d explained Rademeyer.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t miss this race for anything. It\u2019s an awesome event with a challenging route\u201d said SCOTT Factory Racing\u2019s Matthys Beukes, who along with teammate Philip Buys, were the top South African team in sixth place overall at the 2013 ABSA Cape Epic.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are spoiled for choice in South Africa with great stage races. After having done it previously and seeing the route for 2013, I think this year\u2019s route looks more manageable for the majority of riders, but still very race-able for the top guys,\u201d said Andrew McLean, top veteran racer and Supercycling TV show presenter.<\/p>\n Bridge CEO, Emile Aldum (right) at the Johannesburg launch of the 2013 Bridge Cape Pioneer Trek.<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n