Jan Withaar won two stages on route to defending his title at the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse on Sunday, 11 May.
The foundations of the team Insect Science Azimuth rider’s victory were laid on Friday and Saturday when he established a 5-minute buffer over Jaedon Terlouw.
The PYGA Euro Steel rider won the final stage, but could only reduce Withaar’s advantage by 1:52.
“I love this event,” the double champion smiled. “The trails are incredible and the organisation is so good. Dryland always goes the extra mile for the riders, and it shows.”
In the women’s race, Adrienne Moolman also claimed two stage wins, before Yolande de Villiers won on the last day, but the GIC rider had done enough to win by over 8 minutes.
2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse Men’s General Classification Results::
- Jan Withaar: Insect Science (6:21:06)
- Jaedon Terlouw: PYGA Euro Steel (6:24:16 | +3:10)
- Ignatius du Preez: Summerplace (6:28:08 | +7:02)
2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse Women’s General Classification Results:
- Adrienne Moolman: GIC (8:34:03)
- Yolande de Villiers: Enduro Planet (8:42:39 | +8:36)
- Rozaan Bekker: Privateer (9:05:16 | +31:13)
The spirit of the race
The real spirit of the Glacier Waterberg Traverse is far behind the racers at the sharp end. Despite the mud from 1,300mm of rain in the first five months of the year, which is double the usual annual average for Summerplace Game Reserve, a great time was had by all.
Between muddy wallows in the water courses, the singletracks thrilled with long flowing sections followed by short technical pieces.
“The riding here has a bit of everything,” De Villiers praised. “There are climbs and descents, rocks, smooth trails, sandy sections, and this year, mud, lots of mud. Every South African mountain biker needs to come ride in Summerplace!”
Something for everyone
To keep the riding in the ‘traverse spirit’ as pioneered by the Glacier Storms River Traverse, Dryland Event Management created a shorter Ride and a tougher Race option at the Glacier Waterberg Traverse.
The Ride campaigners took on two 40km courses and a final 30km stage, while the Race competitors conquered 50-, 60-, and 40-kilometre routes.
Bright sunshine and warm weather helped dry the trails and the riding got better day after day as the long weekend progressed.
Gear up for the next adventure
Mountain bikers who missed the action in Summerplace can share in the relaxed atmosphere and festive riding experience at the Glacier Storms River Traverse.
It is set to take place from the 1st to the 3rd of August in Tsitsikamma region of the Eastern Cape. To join the social mountain biking extravaganza visit, www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za.
To reflect on the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse competitors and mountain biking fans can like the Glacier Waterberg Traverse on Facebook page, or follow @waterbergtraverse on Instagram.
Highlights of the event can also be viewed on the Dryland Event Management YouTube channel. The 2026 race dates will be announced at the end of May 2025, so would-be riders can visit www.waterbergtraversemtb.co.za to stay updated.
