Now in its fifth year, the JBay Wind Farm MTB Classic continues to look for innovative ways to improve the event. In this vein the 2017 instalment will see the 85km ultra marathon run over an entirely redesigned route.
The highlight of the route is bound to be the spectacular singletrack trails, newly-built on a game farm in the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area. “It will be about 90% new singletrack,” explains route designer, Arthur Joubert. “We’ve been building these trails through some remote, unridden kloofs.”
The 85km route will have 1385m of climbing (about 100m less than in 2016) but features some short, sharp climbs, thanks to the valleys Joubert mentioned.
“We’ve cut down on road crossings with the aim of keeping all riders safely on one side of the R102,” Joubert added, outlining another of the main motivations behind the redesign. He and his team have also endeavoured to simplify navigation, especially with regards to the split between the 50km and 85km route, which will be at a waterpoint.
The start and finish will be at Kabeljouws as in the past and while the 85km – with its R10 000 first prize for both the first male and female – is the mainstay, there will be two shorter routes (25km, 50km) making it a ride that should appeal to all levels of rider.
The 25km will remain the same as in 2016, with the 50km marathon featuring a few changes including one or two additional climbs. All three route will of course traverse the spectacular JBay Wind Farm, from which the race derives its name. Riders will have the chance to ride along roads interspersed by 80m tall wind turbines towers, spread more than 500m apart. The wind farm site spans 3 700 hectares on which there are 60 wind turbines. This project is one of the first and largest wind farms in South Africa. Entries are open and selling fast.
DETAILS:
Enter online at jbaymtbclassic.co.za
Online registration closes at midnight on Wednesday 19 July 2017.
Late registrations will be accepted on Friday, 21st July @ CycloPro in Port Elizabeth and on the day of the event @ Kabeljouws Lagoon Parking Area, Jeffreys Bay
R50 late entry fee is charged.
