Organisers excited to welcome back riders for Drak Descent 2022
Organisers of the 2022 Euro Steel Drak Descent mountain bike race in the Southern Drakensberg have officially opened entries to the public and are expecting a surge of interest following 2021’s cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The race, which forms part of the Drak Adventure Weekend on 29 and 30 January will once again offer riders two options over two days taking in some of the new trails that the Sani Spoors team had prepared for the cancelled 2021 event.
The race offers riders the chance to take on the ride as a team of two or as a solo rider, while MTB fans who are not as fit can ride the shorter Euro Steel Drak MTB Challenge, a 43km two day ride that’s split into a 26km day one and 17km day two.
The signature full Euro Steel Drak Descent is split into a 43km first stage and a 48km second stage totalling 91km of riding finishing at Hopewell Farm.
Once the entries carried over from 2021 were allocated public entries were opened and eager riders started snapping them up immediately. HTML clipboard As part of the compliance plans for the weekend a cap of 450 public entries has been set for the popular full distance Drak Descent.
As riders get prepared for the unique two days on the trails surrounding Underberg, member of the organising committee Pierre Horn says he is happy with how things are shaping up.
“We have started working hard on all the routes and trails for the event,” Horn said. “We have added in some new tracks and have modified the existing trails which should make for some awesome riding.
“We are really looking forward to inviting people back to such a beautiful part of the Southern Drakensberg especially after so many months in lockdowns.”
The organisers have made a few tweaks to the tracks but have added in a section that they hope will make for spectacular views when the riders approach the end of the first stage on Saturday, 29 January.
“The Super Bowl section of the track has been given an addition and we aren’t saying too much about it but we hope that the riders really enjoy the changes.
“We think that it’s going to be a great addition to the route!
“There is also a portage section on the first day of the ride that we’ve put gravel down on so the stronger riders will be able to ride that section,” Horn mentioned.
After taking on the exciting trails of the Southern Drakensberg there is a lot to do in and around the small towns of Underberg and Himeville.
“There are so many options for riders and their families to do and when it comes to outdoor activities you can’t really beat it.
“There are walking and hiking trails throughout the area as well as daily use of the resorts that are a short drive from the town.
“Horse riding is another popular activity as well as the numerous coffee shops and The Stables Market in Himeville,” Horn added.
