Some 800 mountain bikers will have the chance to sign up for the adventure of a lifetime when the entries for the international nine-day Old Mutual joBerg2c in South Africa open at 8am on Monday 8 July.
The event takes place from 25 April to 3 May 2014. In order to give riders the opportunity to cover the full 910km from Heidelberg to Scottburgh, organisers have opted to do away with the shorter three and six-stage options.
According to Craig Wapnick, logistical challenges surrounded the shorter versions and the popularity of the main event prompted organisers to focus on the nine-day race.
“We believe it should be a real challenge and that riders should be proud to say, ‘I rode the full nine days’.”
The field is set to be increased to 350 two-man teams, with 100 solo places also available.
GPS navigation will also replace conventional route marking, and cut-off times for each stage will be based on an average speed of 15km per hour.
“Our cut-off policy is really nothing to fear if you are fit and can ride reasonably well on single track,” explained Wapnick.
Prospective entrants can enter online via the event’s website. They will then receive an email notification and their entry will be secured if they pay upfront. If not, their status will be shown as entered but incomplete, and preference will be given to paid-up entrants on a first-come first-served basis.
Visit www.joberg2c.co.za or follow the race on Facebook or on Twitter.