Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek Adventure presented by Biogen
Committing to a seven-day stage race can be intimidating. With that in mind, we are proud to present the four-day Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek Adventure presented by Biogen. This event will provide nearly 60% of the ‘Race with Soul’ experience to riders who would otherwise feel they cannot complete the full distance.
Be warned – once you have ridden the Adventure you may just realise that the full Cape Pioneer Trek is within your reach!
General Info
Registration
Time: 17:00 until 20:00
Date: Tuesday, 5 September 2023
Location: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold
Pre-Race Briefing (Adventure)
Time: 19:00
Date: Tuesday, 5 September 2023
Location: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold
Please note attendance is compulsory as vital information regarding the race will be communicated.
Daily Race Briefing
Time: 19:00 until 20:00
Daily race start (6 September 2023 until 9 September 2023)
Time: 08:00
Spectator Point, Technical & Feeding Zones
Spectator point, technical and feeding zones to be confirmed
Daily routine
05:00
Rise and shine
06:00
Bag check-in opens
06:00
Bike park opens
06:30
Breakfast starts
07:30
Start chute opens: Check-in
07:30
Breakfast finishes
07:30
Rider bag check-in closes
07:30
Secure bike park closes
07:55
Start chute closes: Seeded riders
08:00
Race starts
11:00
First riders arrive
11:00
Race medical facility opens
11:00
Rider bag check-out opens
11:00
Bike park opens
11:00
Bike wash opens
11:00
Showers open
Afternoon
12:00
Lunch starts
13:00
Race office opens
13:30
Sports massage opens
07:30
Lunch finishes
17:00
Rider bag check out closes
17:30
Race cut off – may vary daily at the discretion of the race commissaire
Evening
18:00
Dinner starts
19:00
Prize-giving
19:00
Dinner finishes
20:00
Race medical facility close
21:00
Showers close
21:00
Sports massage closes
22:00
Lights out
What to bring
At race registration all riders will receive a Cape Pioneer Trek race bag and this will be the only piece of luggage that will be transported between stage locations, so please ensure that all your belongings fit into this bag. The race organisers will supply each rider with a comfortable mattress, but riders must supply their own sleeping bag, pillow and cover sheet. Please leave all valuables at home, the race organisers, and their partners, accept no responsibility for any lost or stolen goods.
What to bring for the ride:
A mobile phone
Fully charged and programmed with all the emergency numbers (supplied at race registration). Ensure that both riders carry a phone. Mobile phone charging facilities will be available at the race office.
First aid kit
Consisting of 1 x stretch bandage, 2 x dressings, adhesive plasters, foil survival blanket and sunblock with a minimum SPF factor of 20.
Bike repair tools
UST tyre repair kit, multi-tool, replacement derailleur hanger, inflation device (pump, bombs etc).
Fluid
A minimum of 2.5L of fluid to be carried by each rider.
Clothing
Three sets of cycling clothing (ensure you invest in some good quality cycling shorts).
Supplements
Biogen food bars, chews, energy drink and tablets will be provided. If you use any other supplement brand, remember to bring it with you!
Eye protection
A pair of sunglasses.
Phone charger
What you will need at the race village:
Cash or credit card
Sleeping bag and cover sheet
Casual clothing
Slip slops
Torch / headlamp
Toiletries
Towel
Locks for your bag and tent
Laundry bag
Chamois cream
Mosquito repellent
Washing detergent
Hat or cap for the unforgiving Karoo sun
Personal medication
Laundry service
Meals
Three scrumptious meals per day starting on Tuesday, 5 September 2023 (DINNER). Hospitality comes courtesy of the local community with all meals prepared locally with home cooked goodness.
Medical
The Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek presented by Biogen offers full medical service at each stage location. Travelling medical personnel, including a race doctor and paramedics, will also be available en-route to handle emergencies. Serious cases will be transferred to any of the local hospitals that offer a more comprehensive service.
Basic medical services are free, but the treatment of recurring injuries or pre-existing chronic conditions will be for the rider’s account. Supplies for daily strapping will be available at a cost to the rider. Please remember to carry the details of your medical insurance in case of hospitalisation.
Personal
Please bring your personal medication as prescribed by your doctor. We are riding through areas with lots of honey bees, so come prepared! Also, carry sunblock with a sun protection factor of at least 20 SPF
Sport massage
EPT Recovery is a professional team of highly qualified massage therapists that specializes in sports recovery. As your official partner in recovery at Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek Adventure presented by Biogen, we encourage you to step up a gear for better performance and book your recovery massage TODAY. Together with EPT Recovery, you can take your ride to the next level where you will stand firm against the effects of fatigue.
We are excited to provide you with the following services to enhance your total experience at this world-class South African event;
Please Note, only Race approved Service Providers are allowed.
We offer the following:
Massage and Stretching
Pre-event Massage and Stretching
Recovery Massage and Stretching
Strapping and Taping
Pre-event Strapping and Taping (Kinesio taping and EAB strapping)
Strapping and Taping (Kinesio taping and EAB strapping)
Foam rolling station
Foam rolling station (foam rollers and myofascial ball provided)
COMPEX
Bike Delivery
JOGGIE RAUTENBACH BICYCLE TRANSPORT
Relax and entjoy the race! Let us take are of your bicycle!
Bicycle transport from Pretoria and Johannesburg to the Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek presented by Biogen. We have a unique “roll in roll out” system and it is not necessary to take apart your bike.
To book your bike, please visit: www.bicycletransport.co.za
Contact: joggie@bicycletransport.co.za
Bike Service
JP van Zyl is well known in cycling circles. Cycling is in his blood, so if you want to talk tech, he is your go-to guy. As the official bike technical service provider, he offers a very affordable maintenance option for the duration of the race and all bookings and payment can be done directly with him.
JP van Zyl – info@recycles.co.za
Please Note: Only race approved service providers are allowed.
Car drive service
Car drive service by Langenhoven Gimnasium. Your car will be collected at the race start and driven through to the race finish in Oudtshoorn. The cost of this service is R1 300.00 and can be added on your rider profile. The school will be in contact after you have purchased this package to discuss arrangements
For any questions or queries please contact:
Kalbas Nell
Cell: 076 934 2123
Email: kalbasnell001@gmail.com
Spectator point, Technical and Feeding zones
To be confirmed
Adventure 2023 Route
Stage 3 #LangkloofLiaison
A brand new stage ridden for the first time in 2022 and back for 2023 is something to behold. Stage three kicks off with a challenging climb up Duiwelskop, at the top, the Indian Ocean below creates a fabulous backdrop. Riders take an easterly turn towards Uniondale onto a mountain track rarely used this century, then north towards Eagles Falls and Buffelsdrift, just passing by the southern foothills of the Kammanassie, towards the river carrying the same name. New trails, challenging climbs, fabulous views onto a finish at Louvain. What a day!
START: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold.
FINISH: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold.
Distance 63 km
Vertical ascent 1 400 meters
Cut-off: 6 Hours from start
Stage 4 #KammanassieKind
Today we head to Oudtshoorn – we have an absolute treat in store for you on stage 4, this year we are taking a different angle during the latter part of the stage. Upon leaving Louvain, within the first few kilometres, the track heads upwards on a challenging early-morning climb – the view makes up for the effort. Descending towards water point 1 and then onto the Kammanassie River for the climb of the day out of the riverbed towards water point 2. The route passes Dysselsdorp and the exit of the valley onto Lidikwe Reserve, a special treat on the route to the finish. The change in climate and terrain is evident as we enter the arid desert-like Karoo; riders approach Oudtshoorn from a different angle as we find our way towards Langenhoven Gymnasium, our hosts for the next couple of days.
START: Louvain Guest Farm, Herold
FINISH: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn
Distance 90 km
Vertical ascent 1 650 meters
Cut-off: 8 Hours from start
Stage 5 #SwartbergShowdown
This stage will have to stay, even though rated as one of the most challenging it has often been praised as the best – 2023 is no different, a new section will make this day slightly more challenging but still very rewarding. The mighty Swartberg Mountain is not accommodating, often not allowing riders to the top, and treacherous and extreme weather is always in play. The Queen stage will be challenging, but those views make up for the effort. It will elevate riders more than 2000 meters vertically finishing at close to 2000m above the sea. At the start, this stage leaves Oudtshoorn in an easterly direction negotiating the foothills of this great mountain as riders slowly find their way to the top. The final 8km is straight up to the best finish of any mountain bike race – the World Heritage site of Swartberg Mountain welcomes everyone to its beauty and splendour. The overall yellow and pink jersey wearers should be decided here, tomorrow is another day.
START: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn
FINISH: Swartberg Mountain, Oudtshoorn
Distance 84km
Vertical ascent 2 200 meters
Cut-off: 8 Hours from start
Stage 6 #ChandelierChampagne
The stage, often regarded as one of the best, capping a week of fabulous riding is revisited this year. Most notably is the fast start which will separate the field and could determine the overall outcome. Of course, Chandelier is still on the cards, but with a twist, enough said, it is all about having fun and celebrating the achievements of the week gone by. 60 km of jeep-track up, single-track down! A fast race to the finish at the Queens Hotel caps a brilliant week in the saddle – until 2024.
START: Langenhoven Gimnasium, Oudtshoorn
FINISH: Queens Hotel, Oudtshoorn
Distance 64 km
Vertical ascent 1 200 meters
Cut-off: 6 Hours from start
Total Distance: 301 km
Total vertical ascent: 6 450 meters