The Half- and Quarter Marathon events in the 2023 SA XCM Champs were cancelled on Sunday morning in the interests of rider safety. Heavy rainfall overnight with more rain predicted to fall during the day on Sunday, along with dense fog led the medical team to determine that it was unsafe to continue. The Expo component of Bike Fest Paarl is set to continue, as scheduled, throughout the final day of the festival.

“After much thought and consideration; due to adverse weather conditions and significant rainfall overnight, the medical and safety teams in consultation with Cycling South Africa and Bike Fest Paarl have decided to cancel the 43 kilometre and 26 kilometre South African Marathon Championship races due to be held at Rhebokskloof today, 5 March 2023,” the official Bike Fest Paarl statement read. “The kids races planned for this afternoon will also no longer go ahead.”

“This decision has not been taken lightly, but rider safety remains our top priority and cannot be compromised. For this reason, all of the Paarl Trails, around Paal, will also be closed today.”

“The Expo and Festival will go ahead as planned,” Darren Herbst, of Bike Fest Paarl, confirmed. “The demo bike track is accessible to our medics and therefore will be open. Please join us to test ride some of the latest bikes; from brands like SCOTT, Specialized, Giant, Titan, PYGA, Ridley Bikes, Darkhorse, Orbea and Silverback. Browse the best cycling technology, sports nutrition and cycling apparel on offer from all the top brands and exhibitors.”

“We thank you for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back at Bike Fest Paarl in 2024,” Herbst concluded.

For more information visit www.bikefestpaarl.com.

SA XCM Champs

Candice Lill (left) won her maiden SA XCM title while Matt Beers (right) added a second to the first he won in Paarl in 2021 at the Bike Fest Paarl; on Saturday, 4 March. Photo by Seamus Allardice.

2023 SA XCM Champs

Recap on how Matt Beers and Candice Lill won the 2023 SA XCM Champs titles at Bike Fest Paarl on Saturday here.