Inter-varsity challenge for MTB enthusiasts

UCT’s mountain bike enthusiasts have a new inter-varsity race series to look forward to in 2016.

The Varsity MTB Challenge has two legs: The first (in Bela Bela in Limpopo on 9 and 10 July) traverses game farms over a 130km track, while the second (in Franschhoek in the Western Cape on 1 and 2 October 2016) includes a ride past the house where Nelson Mandela was held captive in the Drakenstein prison.

The series is a new venture between Sports4U and Advent Sport and Entertainment Media (ASEM), events organiser for the popular Varsity Cup and Varsity Sports series of sport tournaments.

Says Francois Pienaar, CEO of ASEM: “All universities are invited to enter and compete for the inaugural Varsity MTB Challenge Champions title. The race is also open to all mountain bike fanatics and riders are encouraged to compete in their alma maters’ colours, or to adopt a university.”

Cyclists participating in the Absa Cape Epic prologue, held at UCT in March 2015. Photo by Michael Hammond.