THE hills of the Drakensberg are calling riders set to tackle the foothills of the famous mountain range on Saturday, July 26 in the annual Underberg Gran Fondo gravel cycle race.

This testing event is made up of three races, 140km, 90km and 41km. It has been considered one of the most scenic events on the South African cycling calendar with riders taking on the challenge under the spectacular backdrop of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site.

The 2024 champions, Team Drive Train Academy’s Tyronne White and one of his trainees, Sanchia Malan from Index Property Solutions, are both expected to be back to defend their titles.

The 140km event has built a reputation as a slickly organised, all-round test of gravel riding with riders preparing for a challenge from both their rivals as well as a route that provides a great test of all gravel riding skills.

The first half sees riders using their bunch-riding skills as they roll through the river valleys.

The second half of the loop is undulating and those riders who have paced themselves and put in the hours of training will benefit – particularly as the time ticks towards five hours for the leaders.

While the 140km event is the main race, competitors also have the option of an easier 90km race and a relatively short 41km.

The racing starts from 8am and all events start and finish at The Olde Duck restaurant just outside Underberg and follow the same route until the first 41km peel off and the route loops back to the start/finish.

The 90km follows the same route as the long event for just over 60km, and just after the big climb out of the Ngwangwane Valley, riders split away and head back to Underberg. The 140km riders will loop around and return through Himeville and then Underberg back to the finish.

-Supplied