The quaint Southern Drakensberg town of Underberg becomes the centre of attention for South African cycling at the end of this month once again when the Underberg Gran Fondo provides riders with one of the best gravel races in the country.
Underberg has grown a reputation as a centre of adventure sport. In January each year the village hosts a weekend of sporting excellence where mountain bikers, trail runners and canoeists come together for two days of action and entertainment. And over the past couple of years, July has featured the Underberg Gran Fondo event which draws the top gravel riders to the village nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains.
On July 27, the annual event will once again attract those looking to win the various races, but will also host a large group of social riders eager to take in the splendour of the foothills of the Drakensberg.
With three distances available to pique the interest of both the racing snakes and the weekend warriors, the event caters for riders of all abilities and fitness levels.
The 140km flagship event is aimed at the fittest and strongest riders looking to challenge themselves on a route that provides a proper test, with a series of rolling hills, long climbs and fast flowing descents.
Riders will also be able to tackle the shorter 94km route that is proving to be a popular option amongst riders who are nervous about tackling the full 140km route.
At the other end of the scale, the organisers last year introduced the 45km Tour de Farms and that is seen as a great race to introduce new riders to the sport. Easier and more manageable for the average riders, the route still provides the stunning scenery without many of the more testing sections of the route.
Entries for the Underberg Gran Fondo are still open, and you can enter via the race website at underberggranfondo.co.za/how-to-enter/
