AMOHELA: SESOTHO – A WORD OF KIND WELCOMING, AS TO ONE WHOSE ARRIVAL GIVES PLEASURE
28 & 29 MAY 2022
Set in the heart of the Eastern Freestate in and around the beautiful village of Clarens, this could well be South Africa’s highest altitude stage race and single day event at an average altitude of 1910m above sea level. The route meanders you through the foothills, shadows and streams of the mighty Maluti Mountains.
The event takes in truly rugged terrain and some of the finest scenery of any multisport event in South Africa. The race is run through bush-clad gorges, valleys, sand stone mountains snaking between the Caledon and Ash River.
Riders can choose to participate in one of 4 different single day or two day events suited to all levels of fitness.
What is new in 2022?
The gloves are off, we should all be well into racing season by the time the Amohela comes around. 2022 route will see a major change to day 1, unfortunately we could not do anything about the mountains. They were there long before us, we just have to get over them.
Day 1 has been shortened
Day 1 now features trails that we have been wanting to include for nearly 3 years, these trails are faster and built with more single trail than ever before. The event is also a little closer to the cooler end of summer, so the starts will be delayed for your comfort. The move to later in May is promoted by less chance of rain, while the idea to shorten day 1 is to allow riders the chance to somewhat acclimatize to the altitude before unleashing you all on the champagne stage that is stage 2. The altitude is something that is severely underestimated by riders, riding at this altitude can be seen as adding an extra 20% to your effort.
Water points
You are doing the work, you should be rewarded for it. Hosted by local farmers, conservancies and supporters of the Amohela our water points will go head to head in a competition to see who can provide the most gees, best food and freshest drinks. This is a prize category of it’s own and we will be asking you to vote for your favourite. That is assuming that you choose to ever leave their fine Free State hospitality.
Day 2 is now the single day option
Day 2 is our queen, it is simply beautiful as we roll you along the banks of the Ash River as it snakes through the land before dropping you back into the village of Clarens down a 16km stretch of single trail with panoramic views over the village.
Thaba eKholo
Ride in he unrivaled beauty of the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. This is the signature race category at the event, taking you further, higher and deeper into the mountains than any other category.
The route is filled with single trail and breath taking panoramic views from start to finish.
Day 1 - 48km, 870m of ascent
Day 2 - 66km, 950m of ascent
Entry fee - solo R1150
Entry fee - team of two R2145
*Includes full race pack
Thaba eNyenyane
This category serves as the perfect introduction to stage racing for eager mtb enthusiasts. Thaba eNyenane means small mountain and that is just what you will get out there, all the fun, just with smaller mountains between you and the finish line.
Day 1 - 35km, 580m of ascent
Day 2 - 38km, 610m of ascent
Entry fee - solo R855
Entry fee - team of two R1445
*Includes full race pack
Single day race options
Come for the weekend, race the Saturday and then relax in the village with friends and family.
The single day routes will provide you with plenty of amazing experiences to talk about after the ride.
Choose from:-
66km Sunday @ R390
- or -
38km Sunday @ R355
*Event t-shirt included
It is about Attitude Vs. Altitude out there
*Please note, the above representation is not to scale. We have never seen a goat that big in the Free State.
Event stats
About the race
The Amohela MTB Classic delivers a weekend of adventure in one of SA’s most loved villages. The 2022 edition of the race happens over the weekend of the 28th and 29th of May 2022. This provides the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy the thrill of the race along with a relaxing weekend with your friends or family.
The race takes you along well groomed single trails on private farms and nature reserves. This is the only time that you as a rider will be able to experience these places.
The altitude takes attitude…
We cater for all levels of riders through the various event options on offer to you. Simply choose the event that is best suited to your riding fitness level, but be warned… The village of Clarens is around 1880m altitude with a max altitude of 2150 making it just that little bit harder for you, this fact also plays into those looking for altitude training.
LIVE CHIP TIMING AND SEEDING BY WEBSCORER – THE WORLDS MOST ADVANCED EVENT TIMING SOLUTION
AFRICAN ICONS INVITATIONAL
Ride in honor of South Africa’s fallen police heroes.
We are excited to announce a strategic partnership between the African Icons Invitational and the Amohela MTB Classic. Together we are raising funds to help the families of those who lived to protect us.
Find out more about the African Icons Invitational, click here.
Almost daily we hear of the tragic and pointless deaths of brave South Africans serving on the front line of our Police Service, killed in the line of duty. Sadly, we don’t always realise the full implications of their deaths and the destitute families they leave behind, in some instances they are the breadwinners and supporters of more than just their own immediate family.
This cause is very close to the heart of our founder Rory Steyn, appointed one of the team leaders of President Nelson Mandela’s personal protection teams at the Presidential Protection Unit in 1996, and who served in the SA Police Service for 17½ years.
“This is my chance to give back to the organisation that I benefitted from to complete my education, give me opportunities that I now enjoy, and instilled in me the disciplines I continue to apply in my life today”
Start times
| 08:00 | A – Batch Start Thaba eKholo, 10 minutes intervals between succeeding batches |
| 08:30 | A Batch Start Thaba eNyenyane, 10 minute gaps between following batches |
| 08:00 | A Batch Start Thaba e Kholo, succeeding batches will set off in 10 minute intervals |
| 08:40 | A Batch Start Thaba eNyenyane, succeeding batches will set off in 10 minute intervals |
Route overview
Day 1
Day 1 is the tougher of the 2 days as we now take you out towards Fouriesburg. This is the 1st and only race to ever take you out in this direction from the village. The rolling hills towards the South are not to be taken lightly, especially if you are not acclimatized.
Our suggestion to all riders is that they treat Day 1 as a warm up for Day 2, for those who cash in too many chips will suffer the consequences a day later.
Riders can expect snaking hard pack single trail, rocky out crops and valley crossings. We will take riders through 2 massive caves with bushman paintings along the route. These will also be chill zones for those looking to catch a breather.
In short, it is fast and lumpy
Day 2
It is fast, it is furious and it is beautiful. Day 2 will catch those who cashed in too many chips on day one as we take you up “titanic” and out towards Bethlehem. Don’t worry though, it is a short punch to the top before we send you out on fast easy flowing district roads.
The average pace will be significantly faster than the day before as we head out towards the Ash river. This is a real treat as we meander you along the banks of the Ash river, here the mountains looming on the horison will grow bigger with each pedal stroke. It wont be long before you are in the thick of it at 30km in and dancing on the pedals up the 6km climb “No O2”. Be sure to look back as the view is incredible from the top. This is also the highest point on route at 2150m above sea level.
Just over the top of the summit you will see the village of Clarens for the 1st time. You will actually look right down over the race village from a very high point. From the “Village view” you will have 11km of fast flowing single trail to navigate on your way down to the finish. The race is already won by this point, so just enjoy the drop off and the run in.
BOTH THE LONG AND SHORT DISTANCE EVENTS WILL NOW COME DOWN THE SAME ROUTE TO THE FINISH.
– AT THE FINISH –