2024 Imbuko Big 5 MTB Challenge: Where To Spectate

by | Feb 6, 2024 | Bike Events & Racing, Bike, Featured, Imbuko Big 5 MTB Challenge, Sports

South Africa’s toughest one day MTB marathon, The Imbuko Big 5 in Partnership with Canetsfontein, is taking place in Wellington, Western Cape on Saturday 17th of Feb with a potent bunch of the country’s best riders (as well as some international appearances) lining up to race for the highly prized title! For more information about the race and the course previews, have a look here!

In 2023 we were treated to a phenomenal race in the Haweqwua mountains that featured a strong field of local and International competitors. You can recap the highlights below. With the likes of; XCM World Champion Mona Mitterwallner, Candice Lill, Attakwas winners Alex Miller and Sam Sanders, the Team Bulls Heroes, 2022 Winner and runner up Marco Joubert and Wessel Botha, and World Cup XCM winner Vera Losser (among others) set to race in 2024, we are expecting fireworks on the 17th of Feb without a doubt!

2023 Imbuko Big 5 Highlights

If you’re wanting to get in on the action and spectate, you can find the places that you can do that from below. We would highly recommend making the trip out to see these majestic mountains for yourself and enjoy the festivities taking place around the racing first-hand. If you want to see the race unfold with live video updates, make sure you’re tuned into the @imbukobig5mtbchallenge Instagram stories during the race on Saturday!

The Start – Imbuko Wines

The action begins at Imbuko Wines on Saturday. Located just outside Wellington in the shadow of the majestic Hawequa mountains, the stage will be set for a monumental day of racing. If you’re here to watch the start you’ll be able to grab a delicious coffee from Monarch Coffee Cartel or some of Lounah Cafe’s fine foods while checking out the lineup of pro riders in the start chute! Later in the day, Soul Barrel Brewery will have their thirst quenching beers on tap as you settle into the finish line festivities.

Race Start: 06:30

Google Maps location here

Waterpoint 2 and 4 – Canetsfontein Organic Wine and Fruit Estate

If you’re not too keen on the early wake up, pull into Canetsfontein Wine and Fruit Estate where the riders will be passing through twice during the race and in need of your support!

Waterpoints 2 and 4 are located here and you’ll be able to enjoy some good music, coffee, food and even wine tasting while watching the brave souls on their way up to and returning from the mega Obiekwa Climb and it’s renowned Cliffhanger Trail.

First riders expected: 7:50 (waterpoint 2)

First riders expected: 8:55 (waterpoint 4)

Google Maps location here

The Finish – Imbuko Wines

Where the race will be decided! The delicious Imbuko Wines will be flowing steadily out of the Tasting Room (that also has a couple of yummy snacks on the menu) and the riders will be rolling across the line with plenty of battle stories from the mountain! Settle in on the lush grass with a Soul Barrel Brew and catch up with your mates and the pros on how they survived the toughest MTB marathon in SA. War stories are guaranteed, haha.

First rider expected: 10:15

Google Maps location here

Of course keep an eye on the @imbukobig5mtbchallenge Instagram channel for exciting content from the event throughout the day and over the rest of the weekend! We’ll see you at the races.

Event Coverage