It’s become one of the most iconic one-day mountain bike races in the country. It’s consistently challenged everyone that started it. It’s been won by World Champions and Cape Epic winners. The question is, should eBikes be allowed to enter the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen?
Paid partnership with Dryland Event Management
They’re not going away, are they? No, eBikes aren’t a passing fad. They’re a full segment of the market now and they come in different models within each brand. They each feature battery-powered adjustable electronic pedal assistance, which gives the rider varying levels of support to help him/her ride further, climb faster and have more fun.
eBikes are starting to appear everywhere these days. You see them in most bike shops, you encounter them on mountain bike trails and, increasingly, you see them at mountain bike races. Yes, there’s some debate as to whether eBikes should be permitted in mountain bike races. But it’s inevitable – eBikes are here for good and events need to accommodate them in order to remain relevant and inclusive.
The 2023 Attakwas race will allow eBikes. Not at the Extreme distance – yet. But they are permitted at the Half, a 47km route with 950 metres of ascent. It’s still an exploratory category and the focus is on inclusion, giving those who may not normally be able to manage this kind of event a chance to be a part of it.
It’s still a race though, so the organisers, Dryland Event Management, will recognise and reward the first three men and the first three women across the finish line on eBikes: 1st R1500, 2nd R1000 and 3rd R500.
Participants will need to make sure their battery lasts the full distance, or carry their own spare. This in itself will form part of the challenge for many, especially those on the lighter style eBikes that have less range but more agility.
“Attakwas is one of the most revered one-day races in South Africa. We need to respond to changes within the mountain bike market to retain our reputation for being a progressive, world-class event; and the growth of eBikes is something that we need to embrace,” said Carel Herholdt of Dryland Event Management.
“We’ll take it one year at a time. For the 2023 edition, we would like as many eBike riders as possible to enter the Attakwas Mini. It’s obviously not as tough as the Extreme, but it shares the spirit of determination and achievement and a unique energy that you can’t describe – you have to experience it,” added Herholdt.
The Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme and Half are still open for entry. Visit the site here to find out more or enter online.
