Following the success of last year\u2019s inaugural ROAG Series powered by Quattro, ROAG promise that this year is going to be even bigger and better.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the races that form part of the 2013 ROAG Series powered by Quattro were released to the public to great excitement. Including three of the provinces largest events \u2013 The Sunday Tribune Jeep Hill 2 Hill, the Karkloof Classic MTB Festival and the 4ever Cycles MTB Classic \u2013 the Series includes six of the largest ROAG-administered races, as well as three wild card events. <\/p>\n
Kicking off the 2013 ROAG Series powered by Quattro on February 23 is the 4ever Cycles Wartburg MTB Classic on February 23.<\/p>\n
The race – in its ninth year \u2013 is expecting an increase in cyclists on the track, who will be handled by a combination of batching and multi-tracking.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll our single-tracks have two (or in some cases three) track options, which intensifies that \u2018race-your-mate\u2019 feeling, but dissipates the cycle traffic effectively. Also, being a part of the ROAG Series again this year, we believe the popularity of the race will be boosted further still,\u201d said Event Organiser Antony Jarvie, he added that all pre-entries are done through ROAG, and once the races cut-off numbers are reached, there will be no further entries on the day for the premier events.<\/p>\n
The race is introducing a 62km marathon option, in addition to the traditional 45km Classic. For the enthusiasts, there is a 25km MTB ride and a 10km Fun ride, for trail runners who enjoy cool forest track, there is a 10km trail run that can be run on its own or combined with the 25km MTB ride for the Multisport option. <\/p>\n
Andrew Hill (2012 overall men’s winner)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Photo: supplied<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Overall Men\u2019s winner in the 2012 edition of the ROAG Series, Andrew Hill said: \u201cI didn\u2019t race the route last year but I\u2019m really keen to have go at the new 60km format on offer, said Hill when asked about his decision to race the 2013 event. \u201cI think more and more people are looking at training for the upcoming Epic or Joberg2c and the 60km gives them a slightly longer route to put in the critical time in the saddle.\u201d<\/p>\n When asked about this year\u2019s Series competition Hill said, \u201c There is always a great pool of riders coming through the junior ranks to keep the bar set high and its going to be a good hard season of racing at the front of the group with a number of guys who can challenge for a podium.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe ROAG Series has raised the profile of KZN Mountain biking and hopefully continue to do so for the next couple of years,\u201d replied Hill when asked about a major benefit of the ROAG Series.<\/p>\n