Muldersdrift and the Cradle of Humankind played host to the inaugural 3-day Glacier Cradle Traverse mountain bike stage race.

Like its sister event (the Storms River Traverse) the race caters largely for first first-time stage racers or those looking to enjoy a biking weekend away with the whole family. The unique setting and quality of the trails blew the minds of local participants, as did the customary atmosphere and well-stocked feed zones Dryland Events have become synonymous with.

That said, it wasn’t all about the newbies. The racing snakes were out in full force with the Continental Tyres duo of Andrew Stockwell and Dan Fowler taking three stage victories to seal a comfortable win. Yolande de Villiers dominated the solo women’s category.

Despite the relaxed, family vibe the quality of the riding on offer was tougher than expected but generally well-received by all participants. Virtually every rider gave the route a thumbs up, from locals such as Andrew McLean and Teresa Coetzee to visitors from Bloemfontein and the Western Cape – the route lived up to all expectations.

While you may have missed this one, be sure to enter the Storms River Traverse – dubbed the wettest stage race in South Africa it follows a similar ethos catering for the whole family while still giving those bent on racing the opportunity to go full gas.

General Classification | 2017 Glacier Cradle Traverse

Men’s Teams:

1. Andrew Stockwell & Dan Fowler (Continental Tyres) 06:18:19
2. Janus Marais & Johan Cronje (Zebra Sports) +01:39:17 | 07:57:36
3. Tim Lansom & Grant Robertson (Cousins) + 02:22:15 | 08:40:34

Women’s Teams:

1. Santie van der Westhuizen & Lousanne Ackerman (TBC Nelspruit) 09:00:22
2. Thea Els & Madeleine Stumpf (Die VIP’s) +05:31:38 | 14:32:00
3. Mari & Christine Schmidt (Single Track Minds) + 05:49:32 | 14:49:54

READ MORE ON: MTB SA races