Capricorn : Inaugural PSG Ride the Ridges MTB event a huge success

​Following the build-up to the much anticipated inaugural PSG Ride the Ridges MTB three-day stage race, the organisers, riders and sponsors alike agreed that the event, which was hosted from 25 to 27 March 2022 at Heja Lodge, exceeded all expectations.

This unique MTB event, co-sponsored by Capricorn Group, turned out to be an epic mountain bike adventure on the beautiful scenic ridges surrounding Windhoek, which was lush green after the blessing of rain.

The 3-day journey comprised of 3 stages, starting and ending at Heja Lodge, with the first Stage called "Chase the Sun". Riders departed at around 15:00, on Friday 25 March just after a heavy shower of rain, and enjoyed breathtaking scenery from some of the highest mountains surrounding Windhoek. On Saturday, 26 March, riders tackled the second stage of the route which took them for 65 km on jeep track, spread out over three privately owned farms and restricted access land.

Sunday, 27 March was the final day where riders took a shorter route of 30 km through the scenic Las Vegas Namibia camp.

After each day of riding, all the mountain bikes were cared for by the Cycletec technicians in the Tech Zone and stored safely for the next day. The riders were treated with world-class water points on all 3 stages and a Rider Village at Heja Lodge that brought out the deeper essence of the PSG Ride the Ridges with live entertainment, a gin and beer bar, and a variety of stalls. Many lucky-draw prizes were on offer at the prize-giving ceremony of each race with a winner's jersey handed over to the day's male and female winners.

Family and friends gathered each day at Heja Lodge from early to cheer on the riders as they came in at the Rider Village, tired but exhilarated by the ride. ​The overall men's winner for the three days was Herbert Peters, with a total time of 6 hours, 11 minutes and 30 seconds and the overall female rider was Anri Krugel with a total time of 6 hours, 19 minutes and 21 seconds.

At the final prize-giving ceremony on Sunday, the organisers and sponsors announced that the number of entries for the 2023 PSG Ride the Ridges, co-sponsored by Capricorn Group, will increase by 50 to 200.

"We are humbled by the response from the riders on the event. The routes were sublime and the atmosphere on the routes and at water points were lively. We're excited about next year's event and welcome even more riders", said Brian van Rensburg, Director at PSG.

"Capricorn Group is proud of its partnership with PSG in hosting this very unique 3-day stage race. The vision of PSG and Capricorn Group was to offer a world-class stage race, with a unique experience for riders around the capital city and we are pleased with the outcome. The event exceeded our expectations by far and we are excited about the many ideas already discussed to offer an even better experience for riders in 2023", said Marlize Horn, Group Executive: Brand & Corporate Affairs at Capricorn Group.

For more information, visit @ridetheridges on Facebook or www.cycletec.com.na

​

​

The 2022 PSG Ride the Ridges winners: