Hot start to #RaceWithSoul

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Regardless of whether one is a cycling enthusiast, one could not but be impressed with the professional set-up at Milkwood Primary School in Mossel Bay - the starting point of the Cape Pioneer Trek 2019 over the weekend.

The event is battled out over 548.1km during the seven race days and comprises a total climb of 11 870m.

Event organisers promised cyclists "a brand new single track, less urban areas, the grand return of the Kammanassie, a mountain top stage finish and even a night out under Karoo stars", to name but a few treats.

On Sunday, 8 September was the prologue of the race - a not-too-daunting 11,1km, named #Pinnacle Pursuit. The prologue route is said to be the most spectacular in all the years of the trek, with an added cliff-hanging single track from the St Blaize lighthouse.

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Despite a sweltering 30 degrees Celsius at the start of the prologue on Sunday, riders were spirited. The first riders took off with fervour despite the intense climb of 330m ahead - the majority of the ascent being in the first few kilometres.

Fortunately the heat abated for Monday's Stage 1 or #GondwanaGlory, comprising 97km, including an ascent of 1 950km. Departing from Milkwood Primary School, riders headed toward Gondwana Private Game Reserve, with its free roaming Big Five. The first riders to finish Monday's stage were expected at around 12:00.

At the time of going to print, the results of Stage 1 were not yet available. For more information, see www.mosselbayadvertiser.com

Today, Tuesday 10 September, Stage 2 of the Cape Pioneer Trek again starts at Milkwood Primary School, taking the cyclicts on the #OuteniquaOdyssey for 114km and a 2 500m ascent. This stage finishes in George at Van Kervel School.

The prologue of the Cape Pioneer Trek offered superb cycling on local beachfronts such as the Point in Mossel Bay. Photo: Grey Stopforth