“Revamped: M&G PE Plett MTB Race 2024”

Celebrating a decade of what has become known as the “most diverse stage race” in South Africa, the next M&G Investments PE Plett mountain bike race will see a slightly different format.

Organizers of the 2024 edition of the four-day stage race, which is set to take place between 21 and 24 February next year, recently made this announcement. The changes include that riders will now start their journey from Kurland in the Crags and end in Jeffrey’s Bay.

“After plenty of feedback from our riders over the years regarding the stages of the journey they enjoyed the most, we’ve decided to spend the first two stages of the 2024 edition exploring the Tsitsikamma Forest,” organizers said.

This means riders will enjoy the comfort of the same race village for two consecutive nights at Storms River before moving on to the third at Assegaaibosch.

Previously, riders started at Crossways just outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and crossed the finish line at the Nature’s Valley Rest Camp four days later.

The route usually crosses the properties of various landowners, including SANParks and MTO Forestry, and covers a variety of terrain, including singletrack as well as a mix of plantation and indigenous forest trails, fynbos dual tracks and scenic gravel roads.

Some of the landscapes riders enjoy during the PE Plett mountain bike stage race.

Riders at the start of the race.

“Whether you’re a dedicated racer or a relaxed rider, this is a spectacular journey you shouldn’t miss,” organisers said.

Plett rider Kevin Evans enjoying some of the unique tracks during a previous race.

Entries are limited to 250 riders and were sold out for the last five years in a row. This year there will be three entry options so riders can decide which option suits them best.

Source: Plett News