(Hermanus, 27 March 2018) The HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme (WBX), a four-day adventure sports festival in Hermanus, has added even more variety and off-road fun to its event line-up for 2018.
The event, which returns to the Whale Capital for a third time between 27 and 30 April 2018, now includes a mountain bike challenge with three exciting routes to choose from. Some of the trails will take you where riders in the Absa Cape Epic have gone before.
“Hermanus has some of the most beautiful MTB trails in the Western Cape and we believe the Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge will add great value to an event like the HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme,” says Paul du Toit, manager of the MTB challenge.
“We were honoured to present the 2017 Absa Cape Epic over 200km of our trails. The riders enjoyed some pristine jeep tracks, taxing single trails and awesome views of the magnificent Walker Bay and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and now we can offer participants in the WBX the same.”
The Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge caters for serious as well as casual riders and families, with a 15km urban assault trail suitable for young riders and newcomers. The 27km is taxing but not too technical, while the 55km route is well-balanced with moderate difficulty. The two longer routes will take riders through vineyards and on beautiful river single tracks, mountain trails and farm roads.
“If you love mountain biking, this is your chance to explore one of the hidden gems of Hermanus,” adds Paul.
“The Walkerbay Xtreme is an awesome sports event with great sponsors and the place to enjoy some exciting outdoor activities as a family or watch some of our best athletes competing in a variety of events.”
There will be spectator points on well-known wine estates Sumaridge and Newton Johnson.
Rick Oosthuyzen, one of the organisers of the WBX, is very excited about this new addition to the event line-up.
“The WBX wants to offer something for everyone – runners, cyclists, multisport athletes, adventure seekers, fitness enthusiasts and families – and the Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge not only adds to the scope of the event but also gives riders the privilege of covering some of the same trails as participants in the Cape Epic.”
There is also the added bonus of a R20000 prize purse for riders competing in both the Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge and the Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium Race. The criterium circuit race combines a short track race with technical obstacles and urban flavour. The event features a number of elimination rounds, culminating in an exciting finale.
More off-road fun
Other off-road events include an off-road triathlon and the Blue Mountain trail runs (17km and 10km) on expanded trail routes along the Kleinrivier Mountains. While it’s not the most technically challenging route, you need to be fit to run the 17km route. The 10km route is a new addition in 2018, aiming to encourage beginner trail runners to experience the scenic routes around Hermanus.
Old favourites and new challenges
With 12 disciplines to choose from, the HI-TEC Walkerbay Xtreme offers something for everyone – from adventure seekers, professional athletes and fitness fanatics to the recreational outdoor enthusiast and active family looking for a new challenge and a fun-filled sporting holiday in one of SA’s favourite adventure sport hotspots.
27-30 April: Big 6 Xtreme (street mile, 27km MTB Challenge, Swim-Run-Jump Challenge, sprint triathlon, open water swim and 17km trail run)
27 April: Marine Mile (street mile)
28 April:
- Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge
- Cliffpath Xtreme Run
- Tough Mother Xtreme X-Fitness Challenge
- Sea & Sand Xtreme Swim-Run-Jump Challenge
- Blue Water Xtreme SUP Challenge
- Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium
29 April:
- Walkerbay Xtreme Sprint Triathlon
- Open Water Xtreme Swim Challenge
- Walkerbay Xtreme Off-road Triathlon
30 April:
- Blue Mountain Xtreme Trail Runs
- Walkerbay Xtreme Junior Triathlon
- HI-TEC Walk-A-Bay Treasure Hunt
- Old Harbour Xtreme Surfski Challenge
Online entries are open. For more information, visit www.walkerbayxtreme.com or email entries@walkerbayxtreme.com
For daily updates and to join the online conversation, follow Walkerbay Xtreme on Facebook (www.facebook.com/walkerbayxtreme), Twitter (@walkerbayxtreme) or Instagram (@walkerbayxtreme).
CAPTION: Participants in both the Valley Xtreme MTB Challenge and Urban Xtreme MTB Criterium Race could share in prize money worth R20 000.
