A Gauteng racing fixture since 2010, the Cradle Mountain Trophy returns on 3 and 4 October with a premium two-day gravel stage race for mountain bikers and gravel riders, a new schools stage race and plenty of reasons for riders of all ages and abilities to make a weekend of it.
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There are plenty of cycling events on the Gauteng calendar, but few have the history and staying power of the Cradle Mountain Trophy. First held in 2010, the event has built a reputation for delivering a high-quality off-road experience for riders across the spectrum, from serious racers looking for a demanding challenge to enthusiasts who simply want a great weekend on their bikes.
For 2026, that experience gets an upgrade with the introduction of a two-day gravel/MTB stage race, making this year’s Cradle Mountain Trophy an especially attractive proposition for riders who enjoy the challenge of racing over consecutive days.
Based at Valley Lodge & Spa in Magaliesburg on 3 and 4 October, the event combines gravel riding, the spectacular Magaliesberg surroundings and the atmosphere of a proper race weekend – while offering enough distance options to ensure that riders don’t have to be stage-race specialists to be part of it.
THE TWO-DAY CHALLENGE
The headline attraction for 2026 is the 100km + 70km two-day gravel/MTB stage race.
Stage 1 on Saturday takes riders over 100km, before Stage 2 adds another 70km on Sunday. The result is a substantial 170km weekend challenge that will appeal to experienced gravel riders, mountain bikers looking for something different and anyone preparing for a longer event later in the season.
Importantly, this isn’t an event designed only for elite racers. The Cradle Mountain Trophy’s cycling routes are gravel-focused and have been designed to challenge experienced riders while remaining accessible to social riders and those tackling their first gravel race.
For riders who would rather take on a single day, Sunday offers 70km, 45km and 20km options, providing a distance to suit different levels of fitness, experience and ambition.
That broad appeal is an important part of what has made the Cradle Mountain Trophy a fixture on the Gauteng calendar. You can arrive with a race plan and a target time, ride it as a serious training effort, or simply enjoy a day out on the bike with friends.
And for those preparing for the Nedbank Gravel Burn, the timing is particularly good. Cradle Mountain Trophy takes place just three weeks before Gravel Burn, making the 100km + 70km stage race an ideal final major Gauteng gravel effort before the big event.
A BIG WEEKEND FOR SCHOOLS MTB
There is another important reason to make the Cradle Mountain Trophy a family cycling weekend.
New for 2026 is The Mountain Trophy Adventure, a dedicated two-day schools MTB/gravel stage race that forms part of the Luxliner Schools Series.
Young riders will compete over a 15km individual time trial on Saturday, followed by a Sunday race of either 20km or 45km depending on age category. The format gives school riders an opportunity to experience stage racing in a professionally organised environment while competing for valuable Luxliner Schools Series points.
For schools, teams and families, it adds another dimension to the weekend. Parents and supporters can make a weekend of it in Magaliesburg while young riders get the chance to race alongside a much bigger cycling event.
With schools cycling continuing to grow in Gauteng, the Mountain Trophy Adventure should add plenty of colour and energy to an already busy weekend.
SOMETHING FOR EVERY RIDER
That combination is ultimately what makes the 2026 Cradle Mountain Trophy different.
The serious riders have the two-day 170km challenge. Riders who prefer a single day can choose from 20km, 45km or 70km. School riders have their own two-stage competition, while the wider weekend also includes trail running and walking options.
For 2026, there is also more than R40,000 in event prize money, with the men’s and women’s winners of the two-day stage race each taking home R10 000.
THE STELLANTIS ADVENTURE SERIES
For the fastest riders, the Cradle Mountain Trophy carries another layer of significance. It is Round 4 of the five-round Stellantis Adventure Series, and it is the only round where double series points are awarded. With 50 points available for a win, the result could have a major influence on the battle for the series titles and the R350 000 overall prize purse, which includes R100 000 for each overall champion.
After three rounds, Dan Loubser leads the men’s standings on 63 points, ahead of Alwyn Steenkamp on 53 and Philip Buys on 45. Jordan Boschoff then arrived on the scene in spectacular fashion, winning Magalies Rocks the Cradle at his first appearance in the series and moving straight into fifth overall on 25 points.
The women’s standings are led by Nicolette Griffioen on 70 points, but Samantha Sanders also made an immediate impact at Magalies Rocks the Cradle, winning on her series debut and moving into fourth overall on 25 points.
So while the bulk of the field will be focused on their own Cradle Mountain challenge, the fastest riders will have a championship of their own unfolding at the sharp end.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT
Ultimately, that’s the appeal of the Cradle Mountain Trophy. It has the ingredients of a serious race weekend without making serious racing a prerequisite for entry.
A premium two-day gravel stage race. A new schools stage race. Multiple shorter cycling options. A three-distance trail run (15km, 10km 5km). A spectacular Magaliesburg setting. And a decade-and-a-half of experience in putting on an event that caters for riders across the spectrum.
The Cradle Mountain Trophy has been part of Gauteng cycling for 16 years. In 2026, it is ready for its biggest chapter yet.
CRADLE MOUNTAIN TROPHY AT A GLANCE
Saturday 3–Sunday 4 October 2026
Valley Lodge & Spa, Magaliesburg
Two-day stage race: 100km + 70km
Sunday options: 70km, 45km and 20km
Schools stage race: 15km TT + 20km/45km race
Series: Round 4 of the Stellantis Adventure Series
Event prize money: More than R40 000
Stellantis Adventure Series prize purse: R350 000
Enter early: Entries close on 20 September for the complimentary event T-shirt and goodie bag. Late entries run until 27 September, subject to availability.
Entries and full event information: Cradle Mountain Trophy
STELLANTIS ADVENTURE SERIES 2026
POINTS STANDINGS AFTER THREE ROUNDS
MEN: 1 Dan Loubser 63| 2 Alwyn Steenkamp 53 | 3 Philip Buys 45 | 4 Jayden Naude 26 | 5 Jordan Boschoff 25 | 6 Selaelo Hlako 19 | 7 Gareth Peers 18 | 8 Gontse Lethokwe Motswana 15 | 9 Kyle Brummer 12 | 10 William Majapholo 12 | 11 Travis Rademan Ludeke 12 | 12 Mitchell Vosloo 10 | 13 Nown Odendaal 10 | 14 Michale Pruett 6 | 15 Mahlatse Ubisi 6
WOMEN: 1 Nicolette Griffioen 70 | 2 Amore Ludik 38 | 3 Bontle Phepiso 25 | 4 Samantha Sanders 25 | 5 Tscholofelo Nkosi 24 | 6 Jules Cass 20 | 7 Michelle Andrew 18 | 8 Euodia Swart 18 | 9 Leonora Changuion 15 | 10 Omogolo Ngakudi 15
Paid partnership with The Leverage Corporation
