The 2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen, is set to take place from the 3rd to the 9th of September next year. Entries to the thirteenth edition have opened hot on the heels of the highly successful 2022 race. Calling upon those who took part to relive the challenges and thrills of the Race with Soul once again in twelve months’ time, while encouraging those who watched on enviously to not miss out again in 2023.

“I think the race is onto a winner,” 2022 participant Craig Boyes emphasised. “The move to shorter routes really improves the experience all round. For people like us, who are racing, the stages are long enough to make the battle at the front exciting. But for the normal riders the days aren’t so long that they finish each stage entirely exhausted. They still come in early enough to enjoy the race villages, relax and spend time with their fellow riders.”

Craig Boyes was full of praise for the shortened stages at the 2022 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen. Photo by Justin Reinecke for zcmc.co.za.

“In the early days of the Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen, we made the stages as hard as we could,” Henco Rademeyer of Dryland Event Management confessed. “Mountain biking was still relatively new then and we didn’t know better. Now our focus is on balance. On creating routes which provide a challenge, but also ensure enjoyable riding and take in scenery which the participants would never experience outside of the race.”

“I think we’ve got the balance right now and I believe the riders who took part in the 2022 Race with Soul will spread the word for us,” Rademeyer added. “Their positive experiences this year will hopefully become a spontaneous personal testimony of why this event should be locked in on all mountain bikers’ calendars. The aim is for the race to gain renown as a must do event, not just a once-off bucket list race; but one riders come back to year after year, hopefully with a friend or two.”

Even district roads have their charm in the Klein Karoo. Photo by Justin Reinecke for zcmc.co.za.

“We’ve also listened to the participants and changed up our entry options accordingly,” he noted. For 2023, solo riders and teams will be able to opt for a non-accommodation entry, giving them the option of booking their own accommodation for the duration of the race. These entries still include all meals in the race villages, ensuring that riders join those staying on-site for the nervous pre-stage breakfasts, post-stage swopping of stories from the trails, over lunch, and the vibey evenings’ prize givings and dinner.

In addition to the non-accommodation and standard entry packages the race also offers a range of upgrades, from tented accommodation in canvas dome tents to luxurious stays in local hotels. The Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus packages also include drivers to transport riders from the hotel to race villages, as well as sports massages for the Platinum and Platinum Plus entrants, and a bicycle service package for Platinum Plus riders.

The singletracks of the Garden Route will once again play host to the opening stages of the 2023 races. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for zcmc.co.za.

Alongside the full seven-day event the Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen, will once again boast a four-day Adventure. Riders who cannot take an entire week off work or who feel they are not yet up to the challenge of racing their mountain bikes for seven consecutive days can experience the second half of the Race with Soul. They will join the action on the 6th of September, riding Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Experience the nature at unprecedented proximity during the Race with Soul. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for zcmc.co.za.

“The route for the 2023 race will be officially unveiled on the 25th of November this year,” Rademeyer promised. “What I can tell you though, is that we will be following the philosophy of shorter, punchier stages. Expect more great riding, trails into remote areas and of course close encounters with wildlife as the route will once again be traversing through private and public game reserves.”

To secure a place in the 2023 Race with Soul visit www.capepioneer.co.za. For more inspiration on why to enter, like the Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen, Facebook page or follow @CapePioneerTrek on Twitter and @capepioneer on Instagram.

Cape Pioneer Trek

The thirteenth edition will take riders into remote regions where mountain bikers have seldom, if ever, been before. Photo by Erin Nel for zcmc.co.za.

2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen

Race Dates: 3 – 9 September 2023
Adventure Dates: 6 – 9 September 2023
Standard Entry (Non-Accommodation): Team: R52 500 | Solo: R27 500
Standard Entry (Red Tent Accommodation): Team: R 54 000 | Solo: R29 000
Silver Upgrade (Luxury Tent) * Sleeps 1: R 5 500 | Sleeps 2: R 8 500
Gold Upgrades * Sleeps 1: R 13 500 | Sleeps 2: R 21 500
Platinum Upgrades * Sleeps 1: R 24 500 | Sleeps 2: R 40 500
Platinum Plus Upgrades * Sleeps 1: R 41 500 | Sleeps 2: R 69 500

*Note: All upgrades are calculated in addition to a Standard Non-Accommodation Entry

Experience the best riding the Garden Route, Klein Karoo and Langkloof have to offer in the 2023 Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen. Photo by Erin Nel for zcmc.co.za.