Some mountain bike races become part of the landscape. The Rola Lourensford MTB Classic is one of them. Now firmly established on the Western Cape racing calendar, the Rola Lourensford MTB Classic returns on Saturday, 19 September 2026, giving riders another opportunity to race through one of the Cape’s most spectacular and purpose-built mountain biking environments.
Paid partnership with Rola Lourensford MTB Classic
Launched in 2004, the event has evolved alongside the sport itself. The bikes may have changed dramatically since the days of 26-inch wheels, V-brakes and 80mm suspension forks, but the fundamental attraction of Lourensford remains the same: a challenging mountain setting, great trails and a race that rewards riders who enjoy proper mountain biking.
The venue’s geography is a major part of the appeal. The Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains create a natural amphitheatre around Lourensford, while the estate’s trail network has evolved significantly in recent years. Since 2022, several long, flowing downhill trails have been developed, adding a distinctly modern character to the terrain.
For the 2026 Lourensford Classic, riders have three distances to choose from.
The Classic is the main event: 56km with 1 350m of climbing. It is a proper marathon-distance MTB challenge. The Maxi covers 36km and 840m of climbing, while the Light is a 21km route with 350m of climbing. Depending on age category, the Classic and the Maxi forms part of the Western Cape’s XCM series.
The event is timed, and riders competing in the Western Cape XCM series need to enter the correct distance for their age category. The Classic is the required distance for most senior racing categories, while the Maxi and Light cater for specific age groups and riders looking for a shorter challenge.
There is also an important reason to get your entry in early: only 500 entries are available.
eBikes are welcome across all three distances, although eBike riders cannot compete for a podium position. That makes the Lourensford Classic accessible to a broad range of mountain bikers, from competitive marathon racers to riders who simply want to experience the estate’s trails as part of an organised event.
RACE DAY
The Classic starts at 08:00, followed by the Maxi at 08:05 and Light at 08:10.
Registration takes place at the Clay Pigeon Hub at Lourensford Wine Estate. Riders can register on Friday, 18 September, from 16:00 to 19:00, while late registration for online entries only is available on Saturday morning from 06:00 to 07:45. There will be no on-the-day entries.
Entry fees are R730 for the 56km Classic, R630 for the 36km Maxi and R430 for the 21km Light. Each entry includes a burger and chips meal and a finisher medal.
Beyond the racing, though, the Rola Lourensford MTB Classic is about experiencing a venue that has played an important role in South African mountain biking for more than two decades.
The first edition in 2004 was a very different proposition. The longest route was 70km with 2 200m of climbing, riders were racing on hardtails with 26-inch wheels and rudimentary suspension, and entries had to be faxed. Today, the same estate features a sophisticated trail network that includes the Ultimate, Endless, Rola Coaster and Timeless downhill trails, as well as the Contour Trail and connecting routes.
That combination of history and modern trail design is what makes Lourensford particularly appealing. It is a race with genuine heritage, but it has continued to evolve rather than simply trading on its past.
The 2026 Rola Lourensford MTB Classic takes place on Saturday, 19 September. With entries limited to 500 and no race-day entries available, riders planning to take on the Cape’s classic mountain bike venue should secure their place now.
ENTER THE 2026 LOURENSFORD MTB CLASSIC
Paid partnership with Rola Lourensford MTB Classic
