tankwa trek route 2023

Tougher Test Presented by 2023 Tankwa Trek Route

The 2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, will feature more singletrack, challenging climbs and riotous riding. In total the four days of the UCI Class 1 stage race will take in 270 kilometres, along with 5 320 metres of climbing. These basic facts do not account for the difficulty presented by the terrain and the weather however.

Rocky outcrops jut from the Koue Bokkeveld landscape where verdant orchards abut sparsely vegetated mountain sides. Sandstone cliffs and shelves reflect the harsh African sun, intensifying the heat and providing natural arches to ride through as well as drop offs to race down. These and the existing trails are coupled with an ever-increasing network of singletracks on the farm around Kaleo, where the race village is situated. All told the combination ensures that the 2023 race will be the best yet, which is fitting for the tenth edition.

The planes of the Koue Bokkeveld are scattered with outcrops of sand stone pillars which make for dramatic visual and riding features along the race route. Photo by Shift Media Co.

“The 2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, is set to be the most challenging in a number of years,” Henco Rademeyer, of Dryland Event Management confirmed. “But not unnecessarily tough. The classic challenges like the singletracks of the Witzenberg Valley and the Merino Monster climb remain, while we’ve added more trail to Stages 1 and 4 too. On paper the first and last days of the race might not seem that much harder, but the rugged terrain they take in will certainly add to the overall difficulty of the race.”

“Stage 1 remains just under 30 kilometres in length and takes place on the afternoon Thursday, 9 February,” Rademeyer confirmed. “It will feature even more great singletrack than ever before, but will also boast a couple of early climbs to split the field. The teams will once again be seeded for Stage 1, but we’ll be making use of smaller batch starts to ensure everyone is able to race the stage as quickly as they are callable to provide them with access to the correct start group for Stage 2.”

The Witzenberg Valley and its rock slabs will once again host Stage 2 of the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen. Photo by Shift Media Co.

Day 2 then takes riders into the fabled Witzenberg Valley, where the trails built by Hannes and Sakkie Hanekom await. “We’ll be returning to the traditional anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the Witzenberg Valley,” Sakkie Hanekom confirmed. “But we are adding a few new features, including a spectacular downhill section through a sandstone arch. We’re also moving the water points around a bit, to create a spectator point at Waterpoint 3, which will now be located at SIP Café.”

“Look there’s no way around the Monster,” Route Director, Ernst van Dyk smiled knowingly. “Stage 3 will once again feature the most infamous climb in South African mountain biking, the Merino Monster. The Queen Stage of the race will circle the highest peak in the range, keeping the summit in view for much of the day. While the ascent doesn’t get any easier, the descent is smoothed out every year and that should make for a faster run back to Kaleo after conquering the climb.”

The final stage then takes in much of Van Dyk’s existing Kaleo Mountain Bike Trails in a punchy conclusion to the four days of racing. “Stage 4 might only be 55 kilometres long but it features 45 kilometres of singletrack,” Van Dyk promised. “It starts with nearly 10 kilometres of jeep track to spread the bunches and then it’s singletrack all the way, with just a few quick dual track or district road liaisons. For the elite racers it’ll be a fast and furious affair, while for the amateurs it’ll cap a memorable long weekend of mountain biking with a challenging but exciting route.”

Ascending to 1 800 metres above sea level the Merino Monster is undoubtedly South Africa’s most iconic mountain bike climb and is only ridable during the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for www.zcmc.co.za.

2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, Route Details:

#BokveldBliss

9 February 2023

Distance: 29.4km

Climbing: 460m

Water Point: 17km

Though short in distance, the opening stage of the race will set the scene for what is to come with technical riding virtually from the off. Kaleo’s singletracks provide the proving ground for man, woman and machine; with rocky trails, off camber corners and sharp climbs punctuating the Stage 1 route. One waterpoint, located 17 kilometres into the 29.4 kilometre long course, is the only source of respite between the high paced sprint off the start line and the drag to the line on the lawns of Kaleo. Expect high temperatures, thanks to the February heat and the 15:00 start time.

#WitzenbergWizz

10 February 2023

Distance: 88km

Climbing: 1 700m

Water Points: 27km (Tech Zone) | 48km | 67km (Tech Zone) | 76km

Stage 2 features an anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the Witzenberg Valley, complete with the Hanekom brothers’ famously technical singletracks, including the rock shelf drop and the infamous switchbacks. Getting there will require ascending the Old Wagon Trail and descending into the fertile valley from the Koue Bokkeveld plateau. The day’s major climb is located on the western wall of the Witzenberg and provides views over Tulbagh and out towards Table Mountain far to the south from the summit. The descent from the highest point of the day features a white-knuckle race through a spectacular stand stone arch before the trek back towards the eastern exit out of the valley. Before starting the final climb, the SIP Café spectator and waterpoint offers the opportunity to refuel for the ascent back to the Bokveld and the drag through the orchards to Kaleo.

#MerinoMonster

11 February

Distance: 98km

Climbing: 2 200m

Water Points: 35km (Tech Zone) | 53km | 65km (Tech Zone) | 73km

The Merino Monster is the undoubted iconic feature of the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen. Rising over 1 000 metres from the Ceres Valley floor to the summit, at 1 800 metres above sea level it features an 8.8% average gradient for the final 8 kilometre stretch from Waterpoint 3 to Waterpoint 4. Getting to the foot of the climb requires significant work too however. Stage 3 begins with a race across the Bokveld to the top of the Old Gydo Pass. The dual track pass allows for a rapid drop into the Ceres Valley where a mix of rugged jeep tracks and flowing singletracks traverse towards the east, with the Monster ever looming to the left. When the climbing commences, from Water Point 3 it begins gradually at first before ramping up on an old trading route. From the farmstead at the foot of the Merino Monster 8 challenging kilometres await. Once riders have conquered the climb, they can choose to recover at the mountain top aid station and take a commemorative photo, or descend directly to Kaleo along a rough path that demands absolute focus. The final 10 kilometres are a high-speed race back to the finish where a hero’s welcome awaits.

#KaleoKaleidoscope

Distance: 54.4km

Climbing: 960m

Water Points: 24km (Tech Zone) | 41km

Stage 4 is not to be underestimated, despite its shorter distance and lower accumulated meters of elevation gain. It will be packed with singletrack, featuring nearly 45 kilometres in the 54.4 kilometre total distance. That means aside from the early dual tracks to spread the field virtually every metre will be contested in the trails. Snaking climbs, some through poplar groves and others on expose hillsides, lead to fast paced descents where staying agile and nimble will pay dividends. The day’s first waterpoint follows a particularly arduous stretch, while the second sets riders up for a roller-coaster ride all the way back to Kaleo. The final finish line will reward with medals, high fives and more before prize giving concludes four days of Koue Bokkeveld Bliss.

Entries to the 2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, opened in April . Various entry options, including for standard camping or luxury upgrades, are available for the race which takes place from the 9 th to the 12 th of February next year. To find out more visit www.tankwatrek.co.za .

Kaleo’s growing trail network will host much of Stage 1 and 4, providing 45 kilometres of singletrack for the 54.4 kilometre long final stage. Photo by Shift Media Co.

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Tankwa Trek – 2023 Entries Open

Tankwa Tough: 10th Edition Expected to be the Hardest Yet

The tenth edition of the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, is set to take place in February 2023. The four-day UCI S1 grade stage race takes in some of South Africa’s best riding, as it winds through the Koue Bokkeveld region of the Western Cape. Famed for technical singletrack, the massive Merino Monster climb, a stellar racing field and the warm hospitality of the local community it truly is a ride like no other.

In 2022 the event attracted a world-class international field; headlined by nine-time cross-country World Champion, Nino Schurter. Schurter and his Swiss teammate for the event, Filippo Colombo emerged victorious over Matt Beers and Tristan Nortje, in a competitive pre-Cape Epic tussle. Positioned six weeks out from mountain biking’s most famous stage race the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, is the perfect tune-up event for elite and amateur riders alike. Alternatively, it serves as a significant stand-alone challenge, especially as next year’s route will be tougher than ever.

A great part of the allure of the event is the spectacular Kaleo race village and clover leaf format. All four stages start and finish at the same venue, which outside of mountain bike races serves as a rural wedding venue. Due to the remoteness of Kaleo Guest Farm most riders chose to stay onsite, which is ideal; thanks to the lush lawns upon which the event tents are pitched, under old growth oak trees. Entrants can also choose to upgrade from the standard tent to luxury canvas dome tents; complete with a bed, bedding and power points in each shared tent.

“We are focusing, for next year, on improving the quality of the event across the board and increasing the difficulty of the route,” said Henco Rademeyer, of the race organisers Dryland Event Management. “Over the last decade we have got many of the big things right; like creating a challenging but rewarding route, providing delicious meals, and putting the rider experience first. But there is always room for improvement! We’ll be fine tuning a number of things for 2023 to keep improving the experience for the event entrants and to enhance the racing.”

“Together with our sponsors, including the title and presenting sponsors Momentum Medical Scheme and Biogen in particular, and the landowners Dryland Event Management have exciting plans for the tenth edition,” Rademeyer continued. “First and foremost, is the plan to continue to refine the route. Iconic features like the Witzenberg Valley singletracks and Merino Monster climb are staples of the race. Mountain biking has developed significantly since the event’s inception, bikes and riders have become better. The Koue Bokkeveld provides the canvas to increase the route difficulty, with more singletrack kilometres and more technical trails. Our local trail guru, Ernst van Dyk, along with the Hanekom brothers and Mauritz Walters have some exciting developments up their sleeves. Which we’ll be sharing with the mountain biking community at the 2023 Route Launch on the 31 st of August this year.”

“We firmly believe that a more challenging route will lead to more exciting racing” Rademeyer pointed out. “For the elite men and women; as well as the competitive mixed, veteran and masters’ teams the increased technicality of the route will provide more opportunities to distance their rivals. While for the amateur riders the route will provide a greater challenge, demanding committed training and work on their singletrack racing skills.”

“Entries to the 2023 race have been open for a week but already the majority of the upgrade options are selling out,” warned Rademeyer. “Teams wishing to take part in the tenth edition will thus have to move quickly to secure their spots for what is going to be the toughest but most rewarding Tankwa yet.”

With entries limited, 2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, riders are encouraged to confirm their participation as soon as possible. The event also boasts the added incentive of an early-bird entry special, until the 1 st of October. To secure a spot visit www.tankwatrek.co.za .

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Tankwa Trek 2023

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Tankwa Trek

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