Gravel racing returns to KZN on 27 July when the Underberg Gran Fondo will as soon as once more entice riders to get pleasure from one of many nation’s most scenic routes by the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg.
This will likely be simply the third version of the Underberg Gran Fondo, however the occasion is driving the wave of the quickest rising aspect of biking and has already constructed a repute as a real check of gravel racing.
Spectacular surroundings at Underberg Gran Fondo
The important 140km route takes riders on a round course from simply exterior the quaint city of Underberg, by some really spectacular surroundings in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Competitors take in three totally different valley methods, creating an important mixture of hills and descents to check the health, power and abilities of the riders.
Riders even have the choice for a shorter 90km occasion that follows the identical route because the lengthy occasion for the primary 63km, earlier than it peels off and “shortcuts” its approach again to the race village on the outskirts of Underberg.
For these riders who’re searching for one thing a bit extra enjoyable, however nonetheless need to expertise the vibe of the occasion, the 41km Tour de Farms supplies a comparatively simple possibility.
Gravel racing has exploded in recognition all around the world and the expansion of the comparatively new aspect of the game in this nation has been equally spectacular, with the latest 165km South African Championships attracting greater than 1 600 riders.
Gravel racing appears to have discovered a distinct segment between the joy of mountain biking and the bunch-racing nature of highway driving. The sport has change into enticing to highway cyclists who benefit from the tactical components of the occasions, however are cautious of the technical aspect of some mountain bike routes.
Mountain biking loved a exceptional development pre-Covid, and most of the riders who flocked to the game in these golden years at the moment are including the gravel occasions as a substitute type of racing and coaching.
Tweaks make occasion nearly as good as could be
Underberg Gran Fondo organiser Pierre Horn is worked up concerning the upcoming occasion and expects the 2024 version to be higher than earlier than.
“We have learned a lot over the past two years and taken heed of what the riders like and what they have asked for,” stated Horn this week.
He additionally stated: “We won’t be making any main modifications, as a result of the suggestions we have now had is that the race is an efficient check of gravel racing, however there will likely be a number of tweaks to enhance what we provide.
“We are very pleased with this area and consider the occasion might be probably the most scenic gravel race in the nation. Last yr we acquired some spectacular photographs of riders driving in entrance of the gorgeous snow-capped Drakensberg mountain peaks.
“We try to create a route that provides one thing that checks a full vary of abilities. There are some huge climbs, significantly in the 140km race, however that’s balanced out by some great, lengthy, flowing descents.
“We know the race is not easy – 140km on gravel is never going to be easy – but we think we have created an event that tests riders and the winner knows he has earned the right to be called a champion.”
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