SPORT NEWS - The BUCO Karoo to Coast, a 100 kilometre MTB Challenge, the largest single-day mountain bike event in South Africa, is this Sunday, 23 September.
This year there are a number of highly competitive cyclists lining up, with winning on their minds.
The 100km route takes in the Ou Wapad out of Uniondale, Prince Alfred's Pass and Kom-se-Pad through the Gouna Forest.
There is a healthy mix of youth and experience in the men's field, with ex-professional rider Waylon Woolcock lining up against a rider he has helped train - Rossouw Bekker - in one of the more interesting match-ups within the race.
The presence of brothers, Tyler and Dusty Day, along with Craig Boyes and Charlie Mcfall, should ensure the pace is frantic from the start.
The women's field is no less competitive. With a large number of riders on a very similar level, it is virtually impossible to pick a favourite. Last year's runner-up, Nicky Giliomee, could be among the podium contenders, but following a winter of niggling illness, she is hesitant to commit. "I've been sick on and off, with flu and then bronchitis, so I'm not really sure how competitive I'll be," Giliomee said.
The 2017 fifth- and sixth-placed women, Barnize Lategan and Yolande Myburgh, will be looking to step up their performances and race for a place on the podium. Sharon van den Heever who finished seventh last time out, under a minute down on Lategan in fifth is not to be underestimated.
Mountain biking fans can follow @karootocoast on Twitter for regular updates throughout the race, as well as Instagram, @karoo2coast's Story.
To view photographs, videos and to read longer reports on how the race is unfolding, followers can like the Karoo to Coast Facebook page. For more information about the BUCO Karoo to Coast, visit www.karootocoast.com.
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