Don’t wait to book your spot in South Africa’s favourite four-day stage race as entries for the 2025 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen are now open.
Entries for the 12th edition, which takes place from 6-9 February 2025, opened on 26 April 2024.
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Many reasons to enter
There are ample reasons to enter. Not only is it the premier UCI S1 stage race in South Africa but it is also renowned as a fantastic four-day event for any experienced mountain biker to challenge themselves.
In addition, the rugged route, the famous Dryland hospitality, and the comfortable Kaleo campsite make this race a firm favourite among mountain bikers across the globe.
“I think the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, has some of the most amazing scenery and trails to ride,” said 2024 champion Alex Miller. “That, paired with the organisation Dryland provides, certainly makes me look forward to the event.”
The scenery Miller mentioned is a mix of orchards, spectacular sandstone rock formations and vast Koue Bokkeveld vistas. The views from the high ridge road along the top of the Witzenberg Mountains are one of the highlights of the event.
“It’s my favourite race in the South African circuit,” multiple podium finisher Sarah Hill praised. “I have repeatedly explained to my friends that it was because of the hot, challenging, technical terrain – an environment I thrive in! Each year the standard of this race is raised too. The quality of the trails is exceptional and ever-evolving. Having raced it so many times I look forward to the new single track pieces and the experimental direction changes that the event throws at us.”
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Pre-Epic tester
“Over and above the trails and the use of this event as a ‘pre-Epic tester’, it’s the actual race village that brings a smile to my face,” Hill continued.
“The inviting smiles of the registration line where we all catch up with each other, choosing your tent and settling in, booking your messages with the EPT guys and girls, and feeling the support from the on-site mechanics before and after every stage. The chill zone has expanded to actually make you feel relaxed. When they brought in the bean bags and Biogen snacks those who were staying off-site felt a huge amount of FOMO!”
In his second sporting career as a mountain biker, 1995 Springbok legend Joel Stransky has honed his skills and found a release for his competitive instincts in the Koue Bokkeveld.
“There are a few reasons but the main one is because it is flippen hard!” Stransky stated. “The camp is amazing and the spirit is always special. The food is good, the race is brilliantly organised, it is a wonderful event.
“But the route and the conditions are extreme and this results in it being ‘flippen hard’! I love the real test – having to conquer the heat, the ruggedness, the varying terrain, the Merino Monster! This race lets you know exactly where you are, if you are ready for the Cape Epic and it gives you a great sense of achievement every day and when it is done!”
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World-class organisation
Alisha Myers is an experienced stage racer and as the Global Director, Strategic Information and Innovation, for World Bicycle Relief knows a thing or two about bicycles and the places they can take people.
“The Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, remains one of the best organised events in the Western Cape,” Myers noted.
“I’ve seen it grow from the very early years to now, and even though the number of riders has quadrupled, they have still maintained a personal vibe. The service, the food, and the tents set a new, and high, quality standard for a multi-day event.
“What keeps me coming back are the trails – they are the best rugged, technical, rocky, beautiful trails! They are my absolute favourite. The last stage this year was fantastic! It was tough, but such an incredibly beautiful route. The Tankwa is tough, but pure joy.”
Teams who took part in 2024, and who had ridden the event before, will confirm that this year’s race was the best edition yet. Though Dryland Event Management are not content to maintain that standard and will be raising the level for 2025 again.|
“We are always looking for ways to improve the rider experience,” Henco Rademeyer, of Dryland, promised. “Ernst van Dyk and his trail builders are constantly working on new routes, and there are singletracks in the area we still haven’t used in the race. The race village is also always improving, the campsite facilities are routinely upgraded, we bring more ablutions in and the introduction of canvas tents for all the riders was an addition for 2024 that we were particularly proud of. The Chill Zone will again be refined for 2025, and more spaces to relax post-stage will be created.”
“Over the years the racing has also evolved at the Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen,” Rademeyer added.
“The veteran and masters’ age categories have become more competitive and the mixed team race has attracted some very strong riders too. The UCI Men’s competition has gone from strength to strength and it was an honour to host Nino Schurter a couple of years ago. Though Matt Beers’ 2024 performance – claiming not only his second title but also setting a new time to beat up the Merino Moster – showed that South Africans don’t need to take a step back for anyone.”
“The growth in depth and strength of the UCI Women’s field at the race is also something we’re very proud of,” Rademeyer continued.
“Along with Anderson Transport, we have invested in entries and prize money for the top women’s teams. To see more South African women stepping up to compete against the world’s best in a UCI stage race, on their home trails, is amazing to watch. And as Dryland we are committed to continuing to provide the platform for young women to challenge themselves at the highest level of mountain bike stage racing.”
To experience the challenge and rewards of the 2025 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, visit www.tankwatrek.co.za.
