For 20 years, the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, has challenged mountain bikers with an infamously tough course.
It is generally considered the hardest day on the bike every season year and, as it comes so early in the season, it sets finishers up for anything the sport can throw at them. Regardless of what they face later, they will know they survived the Attakwas and, as such, can survive whatever trials other races provide.
If that mentality speaks to you, you will be heartened to note that entries to the 2026 edition – which takes place on Saturday, 17 January – opened on Friday, 7 March, at 12:00.
The Comrades of Mountain Biking
In an endurance obsessed country, the race has become the Comrades of Mountain Biking. This inspired a change for the 20th edition. As the country’s most famous marathon did in 2000, the race will add an hour to its cut-off time in 2026.
Mountain biking was a very different sport in 2007, when the Hell of the South was first held. The typical bike was a V-Brake, hardtail 26er, with 80-100 millimetres of travel from an inefficient fork.
Two decades on and the standard bike is a full suspension 29er, with powerful breaks, and a suspension, which not only devours the rugged terrain but maintains forward momentum while doing so.
Peanut butter race fuel
A man who knows exactly how far bicycle and sports nutrition technology has come in that time is Matthys Beukes. The legend of South African mountain bike racing competed in the first edition, once recalling that he relied upon “peanut butter sandwiches” for race fuel.
In the years since, Beukes won the title on three occasions and completed it ten times. Three men are in line to double this tally in 2026. They are CD du Toit, Paul Micklewood, and Richard Muller.
Each of them have questioned their sanity after crossing every finish line, but every January they are back once more to take on the Attakwaskloof.
“It first started as a good ride for an Epic preparation,” Micklewood reflected. “Then in the second or third year we decided to ride because it was local. Then I was recognised a Ratel after 5 and it became a yearly ritual. After 19 editions there are only 3 of us left who have ridden them all, so that has become a challenge of sort too. I no longer race the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen. These days I try to enjoy the ride, pace myself and take in the amazing vibe.”
“Health and fitness allowing I’ll be riding my 20th next year,” Du Toit smiled. “You can’t predict too far in the future, but I’ve entered already and I’m looking forward to the great event which Dryland always puts on. It’s absolutely value for money. I’ve ridden a lot of mountain bike events in my life and I have to say the water points and the organisation are in a class of their own at the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen. Even the friendliness of the staff is exceptional.”
“The ride itself is no game, it’s a challenge!” Du Toit noted. “Usually, I’ve trained too little over December and I always find that it’s a race which schools you. It teaches you to match your mind to what your body can achieve on the day, and how to overcome the elements. It teaches you to be adaptable, which is a challenge in and of itself. It certainly makes me look forward to it every year too.”
A proper Cape Epic training race
While bike technology has undoubtedly improved the dual tracks in the remote regions of the Klein Karoo and through the fabled Attakwaskloof have weathered in recent years.
Blistering hot summers and wet winters have washed or blown dust out from between rocks, making maintaining traction harder. The heat often also contributes on race day to ensure that only the toughest reach the Pine Creek finish line.
“The idea of the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, was born from the need – by local riders – for a proper Cape Epic training race,” Dryland Event Management’s Henco Rademeyer explained.
“In those days there was no Dryland Event Management, and the race was organised out of my bike shop. Katot Meyer was instrumental in designing the route, which is fortunate as I’ve always been able to blame him whenever riders complain to me about how tough it is.”
“When people say it’s hard, or that it’s hot, I remind them that Katot walked those routes barefoot while scouting them,” Rademeyer laughed.
“He even convinced us to use the full Extreme route, from Chandelier through the Attakwaskloof, in the first edition of the Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen. The only problem was that we had to finish in Mossel Bay, so the riders faced a 140 kilometre opening stage! So, it could be harder…”
Changes in 2026
That isn’t the plan for 2026 though the Race Director assured. “We received good feedback from the 2025 water point locations, and the general sentiment is that it makes the final 50 kilometres less stressful with shorter distances between Biogen oases. We will also be starting earlier in 2026, at 06:00 rather than 06:30, and adding an extra hour to the cut-off time.”
“The 12-hour cut-off is a one-time-only extension for the 20th edition. We’re calling it the ‘Katot Hour’, and I’m sure we’ll see many riders who have previously struggled to achieve an official finish in the past secure that illusive medal next year,” Rademeyer concluded.
“Every finisher will also receive a First Ascent finishers’ t-shirt, to indicate them as members of a special club, and entrants will be able to order a special edition First Ascent cycling jersey to commemorate their participation in the race too.”
Entries to the 2026 race open on 7 March 2025 at 12:00. Riders who are not yet ready to take on the full 124 kilometre race can sign up for the 47km – Half – or the 32km – Mini. Both the shorter distance events are ideal for high and primary school mountain bikers. For more information or to enter online visit www.atta.co.za.
Early bird entry fees are valid until 30 June 2025, thereafter standard entry fees will apply until 30 November 2025, then late entry fees will apply until entries close.
