Underberg Gran Fondo a stepping stone

Popular KZN cyclist Hayley Smith will tackle the 2024 Underberg Gran Fondo on Saturday 27 July with an international goal in mind.

The South Coast resident has consistently been one of the province’s top off-road racers over the past decade.

Underberg Gran Fondo proves a stepping stone

Now she has plans to take on one of the world’s major stage races next month with the testing Underberg Gran Fondo as part of her preparation.

“I really enjoyed the Underberg Gran Fondo last year and I’ve entered for the Swiss Epic (mountain bike race) in August, so I thought this would just be a nice block towards that before we leave,” said the Bell Equipment rider who finished as runner-up to Joanne van der Winkel in the 2023 Underberg event.

She also said: “I will be doing it on a mountain bike again this year as part of our training for Switzerland.”

“I definitely did struggle on my mountain bike last year, but because we are using this as a bit of a training ride, I am happy to just ride it out on my mountain bike again. I’ll just ride at a pace that I feel comfortable. I’m riding with Sanchia Malan, my partner at the Swiss Epic, so at least there will be a bit of a group of us.”

Smith, like many of the elite riders who tackled the long 140km event, had to dig deep at times as she tackled the undulating 140km course.

“It is quite a tough route – it is 140 kilometres and that is always going to be difficult. Last year once we hit 100 kilometres I was like “I still have 40 kays to go!”

“But I suppose we’ll just have to see what happens on the day and how the legs are feeling. It will be a nice test to where the fitness is and if everything has been going according to plan with how the training has been going for Switzerland.”

Relishing the challenge

Despite the tough nature of the race, Smith is looking forward to her second Underberg Gran Fondo.

“Last year I really enjoyed the event. It has a really nice venue and the event is nice for the whole family because they have got the three different distances. I think is quite nice that they’ve been able to include the various races so the younger riders coming through have options.”

“It’s also in a great area with beautiful views of the Drakensberg.”

The main 140km route takes riders on a circular course from just outside the town of Underberg, through some spectacular scenery in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Competitors take in three different valley systems, creating a great combination of hills and descents to test the fitness, strength and skills of the riders.

Riders also have the option for a shorter 90km event that follows the same route as the long event for the first 63km, before it peels off and “shortcuts” its way back to the race village on the outskirts of Underberg.

For those riders who are looking for something a little more relaxing, but still want to experience the vibe of the event, the 41km Tour de Farms provides a relatively easy option without the long distances.

Entries are open at MyActive.co.za. and more info can be found at https://underberggranfondo.co.za/

Do you take part in cycling?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.