Isuzu 3 Towers Stage Race

The Isuzu 3 Towers stage race is a highlight on my racing calendar. The race has so much to offer that it makes it difficult to share everything in one race report. I guess there is just one solution; come and experience it for yourself....

The 3 day race covers a total distance of 208km and includes 4760m of ascending. It is held at Mankele Mountain Bike Park situated in the heart of Mpumulanga province. The stages start and finish at Mankele, with the route taking riders past a different Tower in the area every day, hence the name.

There is no better way to describe the riding at Mankele than the way race organisers Mark and Geoff describes it as “flippen amazing riding”.   Each day we would climb above the surrounding forest several times, providing breathtaking views as we rose above the tree line. Hard efforts were rewarded with proper technical mountain bike single track littered with rocks, tree roots and forest debris. 

Once you crossed the finish line there was still plenty to look forward to - A hot shower or cold swimming pool, good food (refueling isn't a problem, it’s over fuelingJ) and even a live band before dinner. Race briefings followed which included a short video of the day’s spectacular riding.  

This year I raced alongside team mate Nicci Grobler and the two of us had a great ride. Our strategy for every stage was to ride at a hard but manageable tempo from start to finish. This worked out well for us as we won all three stages and also the overall ladies category at the end.

Thank you so much to The Mankele Team for putting together a great event with a vibrant atmosphere. I am already looking forward to next year’s edition.