The Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge is and fun mountain bike race just outside Nelspruit near the Sudwala caves on 18th of March…

Click here for 2016 race photos…

Saddle up for the Sappi Mankele MTB challenge It’s time for riders to again saddle up with Mpumalanga’s forestry giant for the ultimate Sappi Mankele MTB challenge, which takes place at Mankele on 18 March 2017. This year Sappi is again challenging schools to enter their MTB teams into the race. The winning school – which is the one with the most entries – will win R5000. There’s also R3000 up for grabs for second place and R2000 for third. Sappi made a major commitment to mountain biking in Mpumalanga in 2011, when it first took up naming rights of the Sappi Mankele MTB challenge. “Since 2011 we have enjoyed watching mountain biking become one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa and we are proud that the Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge is now a national event which draws and inspires riders from across the country,” says Sappi’s General Manager Forestry, Duane Roothman. “This year the Sappi MTB Challenge is even more exciting, as it has been incorporated into the Mpumalanga Marathon Series and there are series and overall cash prizes to be won,” he adds. The Mpumalanga Marathon Series consists of five races, four of which count towards the scoreboard.

What else is new in 2017? This year the Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge has increased its 60 kilometre race to 70 kilometres, and what a ride it’s going to be! “Sappi’s plantations look amazing with all the recent rain we’ve had and it was so much fun just putting this stage of the race together. You name it, the track has it… It even includes a bush tunnel,” says Roothman. For those who find a 70 km race a little bit daunting, don’t fret as the Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge also has a 35 km and a 22 km race. Sappi also invites members of the public to join in the fun on the 12 km and 2.5 km rides. The NG Kerk Alkmaar is planning a fun day for the entire family, from food stalls to a jumping castle for the kids. So why not bring the family and camp out at Mankele for the weekend?

To enter the Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge, visit www.entrytime.co.za. For more information, contact Mark at 082 338 9532. For more information about Mankele or to book accommodation, email ride@mankele.co.za or call 078 801 0453.

Choose your Battle

The big 70 km and all of its rewards: The 70 km race takes the rider up the kicker at Mankele and through Mikon Chicken Farm. Whilst your legs may start to protest, there are some flat areas that offer a bit of recuperation. Then there’s ‘Gums’ single track, followed by a bit of climbing and the first massive reward… BEEES will make you feel as fresh as ever. Ride down past Mayo Estates to Barry’s bush tunnel, then into Simon’s bush tunnel before you head higher and higher up Mankele ridge. The climb’s a bit of a dog, but the reward is well worth it. Enjoy the fast jeep track all the way to River Wild, cross the river on a new bridge and head up and down before you’re hit by a climb you’ll never forget. When you recover, you’ll head into Sappi’s bush tunnel and down to the cattle trail. This is an awesome single track that leads you to a few bush tunnels andfun all the way home, have you soon doubting your fitness levels. But once at the top, you will be rewarded with a beautiful pine, single track. Follow jeep track, rocky climbs and stunning views while you ride down into Sudwala Valley. When you reach the 25km mark you’ll get your second wind at the water point. From here is the reason we ride… Steep descents, bushveld trails, bush tunnels, Pecan orchards and single track all the way home!

The 22km (380m ascent):This ride offers a gradual climb up the district road, past Sudwala Lodge and into pine forests. Just when you think you can’t climb any more, there’s a water point at 9.2km, followed by undulating recovery time. From here there’s a mind-blowing descent through African bushveld, with a rollercoaster-style bush tunnel. After the second water point, at 18km, enjoy a fast finish along district road, one more steep descent and a fun single track to the end.

The 12km (170m ascent): Enjoy a flat start on district road, while your legs warm up, and head for the slight climb up to Thulani Depot. Then its single track which takes you all the way to the mines. Veer off onto Msilezi Farm, with a lovely rolling jeep track. The single track next to the river leads you home.

The 2 km:  A fun, fast flat track with only 22 meters of climbing. The trail stays in Mankele, which makes it safe for the little ones too.