A decade after establishing itself as one of Gauteng’s favourite mountain-bike events, the Garmin MTB Classic is heading to the Western Cape – and taking riders onto some of the most celebrated trails in South African mountain biking.
Paid partnership with Garmin South Africa
For 10 years, the Garmin MTB Classic has challenged Gauteng mountain bikers to push their limits, chase personal goals and enjoy some of the province’s best trails. Now Garmin South Africa is taking that commitment to mountain biking into new territory with the launch of the Garmin MTB Classic Stellenbosch on 31 October 2026.m And the venue is difficult to beat.
Based at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate, the Stellenbosch edition will give riders access to a network of trails associated with one of South Africa’s great mountain-biking destinations. The routes incorporate sections of the legendary Stellenbosch trail network, including trails from Jonkershoek, Coetzenburg, Eden Trails, Mont Marie and Dornier. For riders who have watched the world’s best mountain bikers race through the Winelands during the Absa Cape Epic, this is an opportunity to experience some of that terrain for themselves.
The Garmin MTB Classic is not trying to turn every rider into a professional racer. Quite the opposite: it is about creating a challenging and rewarding event where ordinary mountain bikers can set their own targets, whether that means chasing a personal best, conquering a distance they have never attempted before or simply discovering how far they can push themselves.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the Garmin MTB Classic to Cape Town and introduce this much-loved event to the Western Cape cycling community,” said Archie Rankhododo, Marcomms Manager at Garmin South Africa. “The Garmin MTB Classic has established itself as a premier mountain biking event through its focus on delivering an exceptional rider experience, and we believe Stellenbosch provides the perfect setting for the next chapter of its growth. We look forward to welcoming riders from across the country to experience the event and embrace Garmin’s spirit to Beat Yesterday.”
The Stellenbosch launch offers three main distances, giving riders plenty of choice.
The 25km route is designed to provide an achievable but challenging introduction to the Stellenbosch terrain, incorporating trails around Mont Marie and Dornier. The 40km Challenge steps things up considerably, linking sections around Coetzenberg, Mont Marie, Dornier and STF and combining some challenging climbing with flowing singletrack and technical sections.
Then there is the 60km Queen of Trails. This is the route for riders looking for the full Garmin MTB Classic experience, taking the field deep into the Jonkershoek region before returning to Blaauwklippen. It is a serious mountain-bike challenge, with the climbing, technical terrain and accumulated fatigue providing a genuine test of fitness and riding ability.
For riders who prefer some assistance with the climbing – or simply want to race their e-bike at speed – there is also a dedicated 35km Specialized E-Bike Race. Unlike social e-bike participation in the other distances, this is a dedicated racing category with no speed restrictions and its own strategically positioned start.
But ultimately, the attraction of the Stellenbosch Garmin MTB Classic is the opportunity to ride somewhere that has become synonymous with high-level mountain biking.
Stellenbosch is one of the country’s mountain-biking hotbeds. Its combination of mountains, vineyards, purpose-built trails and natural terrain has made it a favourite with everyone from weekend riders to professional racers. The Garmin MTB Classic brings that environment to a mass-participation event and gives riders the chance to measure themselves against a course that demands something from them.
Entries are open for 31 October 2026 at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. If Stellenbosch has been on your mountain-biking bucket list, this is your opportunity to stop talking about it and get onto the start line.
ENTER NOW: Garmin MTB Classic Stellenbosch
Paid partnership with Garmin South Africa
