The 2024 Trans Baviaans celebrates its 20th edition as South Africa’s premier single-stage marathon mountain bike event. Over the past two decades, the Baviaanskloof has tested riders with challenges as diverse as the stunning nature reserve itself, from extreme heat to icy cold, torrential floods to severe droughts. This year’s event promises unique obstacles, including 63 river crossings and measures to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease affecting Eastern Cape cattle and sheep farmers. Despite these challenges, riders will benefit from the graded R332 road extending to Rooihoek, a potential tailwind for the first 140 kilometers, and a strong elite field aiming for the course record.
Race to Watch: Valley Electrical Titan Racing vs. Insect Science
Leading the charge for the Trans Baviaans Race title are Valley Electrical Titan Racing and Insect Science. The first of two events kicks off at 10:00 AM in Willowmore on Saturday, August 10, and concludes after 227 kilometers and 2,850 meters of climbing at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay. “We’re expecting a fast edition,” said Zane Schmahl of the Trans Baviaans. “The newly graded road allows not just for completion on gravel bikes, as seen in the past, but competitive racing on them too.”
Rossouw Bekker of Valley Electrical Titan Racing expressed his excitement: “It’s my first Trans Baviaans, and I’m thrilled. We’ll be pushing the limits on our Titan Racing Switch gravel bikes, fitted with 2.1-inch mountain bike tires and tubeless inserts. Gravel bikes will likely be faster heading into the Reserve and towards Jeffreys Bay, but we’ll need caution in rough sections.”
Bekker, teamed with Matthys Beukes, aims to challenge the course record of 7 hours, 51 minutes, and 6 seconds. Their primary competitors include Arno du Toit and Keagan Bontekoning of Insect Science.
Du Toit, who finished under 8 hours in 2018, shared his thoughts: “Trans Baviaans is iconic and a highlight on our calendar. It’s a beautiful part of South Africa and offers unique challenges from equipment choice to strategy. Though racing on gravel bikes is tempting, the rough sections make it impractical. We’re opting for fast tires, Schwalbe Thunder Burts, on our Giant Anthems.”
Route Update and New Finish Venue
A key reminder for all teams is that the Trans Baviaans route is unmarked. “We operate on an adventure racing ethos,” noted Schmahl. “Riders should download GPX files and familiarize themselves with the route, which has a few changes this year. We’re starting in the center of Willowmore, by the town hall, and finishing at Mentors Country Estate.”
The 63 water crossings have been carefully graded. “Expect varied crossings, from trickles to deep water where you’ll need to push your bike,” Schmahl advised. “Langwater, after Smitskraal Check Point at 123 kilometers, could be a swim hazard, so caution is necessary.”
Schmahl also emphasized the importance of foot-and-mouth disease mitigation measures. “At Check Point 7, after 205 kilometers at Zuurbron, bicycles will be sprayed with disinfectant, and riders will pass through disinfectant baths at several farm gates. Please remove your bottles during this process to prevent the viral disease from spreading among livestock.”
Weather Forecast
Weather conditions for the Trans Baviaans Race look favorable. Cool temperatures are expected in Willowmore on Saturday morning, with a north-west breeze of 9 meters per second. In the Baviaanskloof, the breeze may increase to 10 meters per second, with temperatures rising to 20 degrees Celsius. Jeffreys Bay may see 1.2 millimeters of rain on Saturday evening, with a gentle south-west headwind and overnight lows of 14 degrees Celsius.
Follow the Action
Stay updated on the 227-kilometer journey by following @transbaviaans on Instagram or liking the Trans Baviaans 24HR MTB Race Facebook page. For more information, route files, and the 2024 Race or Supporter Guides, visit www.transbaviaans.co.za.