PwC Great Zuurberg Trek [POSTPONED]
Organisers of the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain-bike race have announced the postponement of the 2020 race due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
A sold-out field was set to take part from May 29 to 31 in the Addo region, about 70km from Port Elizabeth.
GZT race owner Trevor Hayter said the organisers and sponsors were sensitive to the issues surrounding the hosting of sporting events while controls were in place to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We will be monitoring the situation until the end of May before deciding on a new date.”
Hayter said entrants would be contacted directly once any decisions have been made. Updates will also be released to the media and posted to the event’s digital platforms.
The PwC Great Zuurberg Trek is a boutique mountain bike stage race that explores the heart of the world-renowned Addo region of the Eastern Cape.
Traversing five of the province’s seven biomes, the three-day 200km ride epitomises true mountain biking with a unashamedly luxurious twist. This is where the soul finds freedom, wild elephants roam and the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air.
Brothers Rob and Trevor Hayter, whose family have farmed in the Zuurberg Mountains since the 1950s, realised the diverse terrain offered pure riding bliss and decided to share South Africa’s best kept mountain biking secret.
After establishing 45km of single-track heaven on their farm Hayterdale, which annually hosts national cross-country racing, they set about exploring the surrounding area for trail-building opportunities.
Their search led them over the southern and northern ridges of the Zuurberg Mountains and into a symbiotic partnership with South African National Parks.
On day one, riders enter the remote northern section of the Addo Elephant National Park, which is traditionally only accessible on horseback or foot.
Descending into the Sundays River Valley, they pass Slagboom Dam and the aptly named Orchard of Oranges as they loop back to Zuurberg Pass and the finish at Zuurberg Mountain Village.
One of the standout features of the race is during the queen stage on day two. After cresting the northern ridge towards the Karoo Koppies section, they are greeted by panoramic views of the Indian Ocean to the south and
the vast expanse of the Karoo to the north.
On this day, sections known as the Three Stepsisters and For Pete’s Sake provide clues as to why this is regarded as the toughest of the three stages.
Day three is a celebration of all the region has to offer and once the riders have circuited Henri’s Loop at the hotel, they fly through some world-class single-track, test their technical skills at Hayterdale and make a final push up the pass to earn their medals as Zuurberg trekkers.