The 36ONE MTB Challenge, a 361-kilometre circumnavigation of the Klein Karoo, will be postponed from its 24-26 April scheduled date to November 2020. 36ONE Asset Management and Dryland Event Management have taken the difficult decision in light of recent developments in the global Covid-19 pandemic. The race has been rescheduled for 13-15 November.
“It is not a decision we took lightly but following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement in his recent address that continuing as scheduled with The 36ONE MTB Challenge would be impossible” Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management stated. “Given the trends we have witnessed in China and Italy, in particular, we suspect the situation will worsen in South Africa between now and the end of April. In light of that it would be irresponsible to stage an event as large as The 36ONE MTB Challenge in a small town like Oudtshoorn, where medical resources may need to be focused on the most vulnerable members of our community.”
“Title sponsors 36ONE Asset Management, and co-founder Steven Liptz personally, have been key members of the decision-making team throughout the process” continued Rademeyer. “Steven [Liptz] and his team fully support the change of dates for the 2020 event. We truly value their and the event’s other sponsors’ support during this uncertain time. “
“Postponing The 36ONE MTB Challenge was the only safe course of action” confirmed Steven Liptz, Co-founder of 36ONE Asset Management. “We wholeheartedly endorse this decision and support President Ramaphosa’s calls to avoid large gatherings and to put personal safety measures in place to minimise the risk of contracting or spreading Covid-19.”
“Once the situation returns to normal, as we are sure it will, given the resilience of the South African people, The 36ONE MTB Challenge will provide mountain bikers with a significant goal to train for” Rademeyer concluded. The move to November will ensure more daylight hours for the competitors which could see faster times being set.
Riders who have already entered The 36ONE MTB Challenge will be contacted directly to confirm the postponement procedure, but their entries will automatically carry over to the new date. For further queries, riders can email info@dryland.co.za, or visit www.the36one.co.za to find out more about the event.