Seen here (from left to right): Ariane Lüthi, Frans Claes and Jennie Stenerhag.
Photo Credit: Mark Sampson / Wim Van Der Wegen / Henk Neuhoff
Usually at the front end of a race, Swiss Marathon Champion Ariane Lüthi (Switzerland), Jennie Stenerhag (Sweden) and Frans Claes (Belgium) will experience a different side to the sport when they take on SA’s “MTB party of the year”, the 7th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate on Saturday 30 November 2019 and Sunday 01 December 2019.
No stranger to the event or Stellenbosch (which is basically her second home), Lüthi is excited by the idea of taking things slower on the bike. “I cannot wait to chat with fellow riders while having fun on the bike,” says Lüthi.“By taking part in the Savanna Origin of Trails I get to discover new trails around my second home. Stellenbosch is trail heaven and has some of the most flowing single tracks on offer. The event showcases some of the best trails in my favourite trail park, Jonkershoek and the infamous G-Spot, which gets any mountain biker excited. It’s become a bit of a tradition for me and marks the moment that I start to get serious about the upcoming season. My goal is to have a great time on the bike, while catching up with my South African friends and enjoying the great lunch that is on offer after each stage.”
A proud Stellenbosch resident, Stenerhag has enjoyed the MTB party of the year more times than she can remember. “I’ve actually lost count,” laughs Stenerhag. “I love riding the trails around Stellenbosch, you definitely get to enjoy the best network of single track in the country. At the Savanna Origin of Trails there are always some new trails that are always nice to ride. We get to try a bit of everything. It’s a great way of seeing the best trails around. The event is relaxed. I really enjoy the vibe. My only goal will be to have fun, while getting in two good training rides. I will not be racing, only riding and taking the opportunity to socialize a bit while I ride. This is something I normally don’t have time for during a race. You will see me stopping at most of the waterpoints! I would definitely recommend this event to all mountain bikers. It is such a nice, fun event with awesome trails and a great relaxing atmosphere afterwards where you can enjoy a beer and lunch at a beautiful wine farm.”
According to Claes, it’s the atmosphere, the routes, the trails and nature that attracts him to the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience. “I like riding the flowing single tracks around Stellenbosch,” says Claes. “I am looking forward to riding them all over two days. It’s always nice to start training while riding with a friend, especially on these nice trails. This event has a really nice ambiance, and hopefully the weather will be good. My goal will be to have fun and laugh a lot.”
EVENT INFORMATION: Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience & Origin of Trails Trail Run
Date: Saturday, 30 November 2019
| Venue: | Start: Die Laan (Stellenbosch)
Finish: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate |
| Event: | Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience/ Stage One |
| Start Time: | 07:00 / Marathon (50 – 60km) |
| 08:10 / Half Marathon (28 – 30km) | |
| 09:00 / Fun Ride (8 – 10km) |
Date: Sunday, 01 December 2019
Trail runners can join in on the fun by taking on the Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run. Entrants can look forward to challenging, yet fun and rewarding routes with spectacular views.
| Venue: | Start & Finish: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate |
| Event: | Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run |
| Start Time: | 06:45 / 12 – 15km |
| 06:50 / 5km | |
| Event: | Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience / Stage Two |
| Start Time: | 07:00 / Marathon (50 – 60km) |
| 08:10 / Half Marathon (28 – 30km) |
ENTRY FEES:
Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience
| Option 1: Marathon (50 – 60km per day) | R1600.00 |
| Option 2: Half Marathon (28 – 30km per day) | R1400.00 |
| Option 3: Fun Ride (8 – 10km) | R200.00 |
Savanna Origin of Trails Trail Run
| Option 1: Long 12 – 15km | R350.00 |
| Option 2: Short 5km | R250.00 |
MTB entry fee includes: This applies to the Marathon and Half Marathon MTB Experience entrants ONLY.
- Exclusive T-shirt
- Spectacular on route experience
- Scrumptious lunch offering on both days
- A light breakfast with coffee on both days
- Well stocked Water Points
- A pair of Falke socks
- A finisher Medal
Fun Ride entrants will be rewarded with a medal and an exclusive t-shirt.
Trail Run entry fee includes:
- An official event t-shirt
- Spectacular on route experience
- A pair of Falke socks
- Lucky draw prizes
- A finisher Medal
FALKE FOOT ZONE: All entrants (runners and mountain bikers) are invited to visit the Falke Foot Zone once they’ve crossed the finish line for a free Falke leg and foot massage.
CHARITY SUPPORT: The Savanna Origin of Trails proudly supports the: 1. Urban Caracal Project, 2. Aitsa After Care Centre and the 3. Stellenbosch Trail Fund.
Like our Facebook page: Stillwater MTB Events
Follow us on Twitter: @OriginOfTrails
For more information on the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience and/or Trail Run please contact Stillwater Sports on 082 991 0045, email entries@stillwatersports.com or visit www.stillwatersports.com.
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