The Underberg Gran Fondo: A Celebration of Gravel Racing in the Drakensberg Foothills
The town of Underberg, located in the Southern Drakensberg, is gearing up for the second annual Underberg Gran Fondo, an offroad biking event that showcases the world of gravel racing. Cyclists of different abilities will come together to compete in this unique event, which promises excitement, camaraderie and a shared love for the sport.
The town of Underberg, located in the Southern Drakensberg, is gearing up for the second annual Underberg Gran Fondo, an off-road biking event that showcases the world of gravel racing. Cyclists of different abilities will come together to compete in this unique event, which promises excitement, camaraderie and a shared love for the sport.
Immersing in the Drakensberg’s landscape
The Underberg Gran Fondo offers riders the opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscape of the Drakensberg foothills. There are three race distances to choose from, catering to a range of experience levels, from social riders to seasoned professionals.
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The Contenders
Top competitors from last year’s race, Alwyn Steenkamp and Brandon Downs, are set to return, eager to nab the overall title. They will navigate the challenging undulating gravel roads that encircle the town of Underberg.
Other notable riders include Brent Yelland, a young rider from Durban North, and Donovan van Gelder, a seasoned triathlete known for performing well under pressure. Andrew Hill’s late entry into the race adds another layer of intrigue, while the Johannesburg-based Honeycomb Pro Cycling Team is sending three riders to the event.
In the women’s race, Hayley Smith of Bell Racing enters her first-ever gravel race, hoping to build on her recent successes. Her most formidable opponent is likely to be Joanne van de Winkel, an elite road cyclist turned mountain bike race champion.
Race Options
For those not up for the 140km race, the event offers a shorter 94km option as well as the newly introduced 45km Tour de Farms.
Weather and Partnerships
The weather is expected to be favourable, with temperatures hovering in the teens. Local gravel bike manufacturer, Sling Cycles, has partnered with the Underberg Gran Fondo this year, providing an opportunity for attendees to explore affordable gravel bike options.
A Testimony to Gravel Racing’s Growing Popularity
The Underberg Gran Fondo showcases the growing popularity of gravel racing and its ability to bring together people from all walks of life. Against the majestic backdrop of the Drakensberg foothills, the event exemplifies adventure, competition, and camaraderie that defines the off-road biking community.
Isabella Schmidt is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from Bo-Kaap spice merchants to Khayelitsha microbreweries. Raised hiking the trails that link Table Mountain to the Cape Flats, she brings the flavours and voices of her hometown to global readers with equal parts rigour and heart.
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