From the 3rd to the 5th of March 2023 Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, in Paarl, will be abuzz with all things cycling. The inaugural Bike Fest Paarl will not only be hosting the South African Marathon Championships, on Saturday 4 March, but will also feature an expo, food stalls and a host of other mountain bike races. Entries are open to all levels of mountain bikers, not just the racers looking to contest for South African colours.
MTB Races
Bike Fest Paarl is hosting over 10 mountain bike races between 3-5 March. These include:
- Schools Short track Challenge: A 1.7km loop where students can race 1 of 4 categories (Age Categories 13-18)
- SA XCM Championships (Age Categories 13 to 60+):
- 80km Ultra Marathon
- 62km Marathon
- 43km Half Marathon
- 28km Quarter Marathon
- Two Enduro Races (Ages 13 to 60+)
- Full
- Lite a lite and full
- Family 5km MTB fun ride (Ages 8+)
- Ladies Only Rides (Ages 15 to 60+)
- 43km
- 28km
- Two eBike Races (19+ years)
- 62km
- 43km
- Kiddies Push Bike Lap Race
Entries are open to everyone, regardless of skill or experience level, there is a distance and discipline for everyone. Entries are available through: www.bikefestpaarl.com.

Bike Fest Paarl will host the South African Marathon Championships on Saturday, 4 March.
South African XCM Championships
As part of the festivities over the weekend, Bike Fest Paarl will also be hosting the National Mountain Bike Marathon Championships. All age categories will be represented and the best mountain bikers in the country will be out racing for the prestigious title of South African Champion along with the right to wear the national champion’s jersey until the 2024 XCM Championships.
Age Categories and Distances:
- 80km Ultra Marathon: Elite Men & Women (19+), Sub Vet Men (30-39) & Vet Men (40-49)
- 62km Marathon: Junior Men (17-18), Junior Ladies (17-18), Master Men (50-59), Sub Vet Women (30-39), Vet Women (40-49)
- 43km Half Marathon (Sunday, 5 March): Youth Men & Youth Ladies (15-16), Master Women (50-59), Grand Master Men & Grand Master Women (60+)
- 26km Quarter Marathon (Sunday, 5 March): Sub Junior Boys & Girls (13-14)