Press Release: #SurviveAttakwas: Celebrating Two Decades of Tough

The Attakwaskloof is only accessible for mountain bikers during the Hell of the South and the remote valley provides a stern test of every rider’s skill and endurance. Photo by Max Sullivan. 

The Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, has for 20 years challenged with an infamously tough course.

It is generally considered to be the hardest day on the bike of the year, and coming so early in the season it sets finishers up for anything the sport can throw at them. Regardless of what they face later, they will know they survived the Attakwas and can therefor survive whatever trials other races provide. If that mentality speaks to you, you will be heartened to note that entries to the 2026 edition – which takes place on Saturday, 17 January – open on Friday, 7 March, at 12:00.

In an endurance obsessed country, the race has become the Comrades of Mountain Biking. This inspired a change for the 20^th edition. As the country’s most famous marathon did in 2000 the race will add an hour to its cut-off time in 2026.

Mountain biking was a very different sport in 2007, when the Hell of the South was first held. The typical bike was a V-Brake, hardtail 26er, with 80-100 millimetres of travel from an inefficient fork. Two decades on the standard bike is a full suspension 29er, with powerful breaks, and a suspension which not only devours the rugged terrain but maintains forward momentum while doing so. A man who knows exactly how far bicycle and sports nutrition technology has come in that time is Matthys Beukes. The legend of South African mountain bike racing competed in the first edition, once recalling that he relied upon “peanut butter sandwiches” for race fuel.

In the years since Beukes won the title on three occasions and completed it ten times. Three men are in line to double this tally in 2026. They are CD du Toit, Paul Micklewood, and Richard Muller. Each of them have questioned their sanity, upon crossing the finish line, but then every January they are back once more to take on the Attakwaskloof.

The climbs in the final 50km of the route are undulating on paper but brutally tough on exhausted legs. Photo by Max Sullivan.

“It first started as a good ride for an Epic preparation,” Micklewood reflected. “Then in the second or third year we decided to ride because it was local. Then I was recognised a Ratel after 5 and it became a yearly ritual. After 19 editions there are only 3 of us left who have ridden them all, so that has become a challenge of sort too. I no longer race the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen. These days I try to enjoy the ride, pace myself and take in the amazing vibe.”

“Health and fitness allowing I’ll be riding my 20^th next year,” Du Toit smiled. “You can’t predict too far in the future, but I’ve entered already and I’m looking forward to the great event which Dryland always puts on. It’s absolutely value for money. I’ve ridden a lot of mountain bike events in my life and I have to say the water points and the organisation are in a class of their own at the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen. Even the friendliness of the staff is exceptional.”

“The ride itself is no game, it’s a challenge!” Du Toit noted. “Usually, I’ve trained too little over December and I always find that it’s a race which schools you. It teaches you to match your mind to what your body can achieve on the day, and how to overcome the elements. It teaches you to be adaptable, which is a challenge in and of itself. It certainly makes me look forward to it every year too.”

After wetter winters the numerous winter crossings help keep riders cool, briefly, in the sweltering January heat. Photo by Max Sullivan.

While bike technology has undoubtedly improved the dual tracks in the remote regions of the Klein Karoo and through the fabled Attakwaskloof have weathered in recent years. Blistering hot summers and wet winters have washed or blown dust out from between rocks, making maintaining traction harder. The heat often also contributes on race day to ensure that only the toughest reach the Pine Creek finish line.

“The idea of the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, was born from the need – by local riders – for a proper Cape Epic training race,” Dryland Event Management’s Henco Rademeyer explained. “In those days there was no Dryland Event Management, and the race was organised out of my bike shop. Katot Meyer was instrumental in designing the route, which is fortunate as I’ve always been able to blame him whenever riders complain to me about how tough it is.”

Starting in the rocky and arid Klein Karoo the 124km route crosses through four biomes en route to the coast. Photo by Oakpics.com.

“When people say it’s hard, or that it’s hot, I remind them that Katot walked those routes barefoot while scouting them,” Rademeyer laughed. “He even convinced us to use the full Extreme route, from Chandelier through the Attakwaskloof, in the first edition of the Momentum Medical Scheme Cape Pioneer Trek, presented by Biogen. The only problem was that we had to finish in Mossel Bay, so the riders faced a 140 kilometre opening stage! So, it could be harder…”

“That isn’t the plan for 2026 though!” the Race Director assured. “We received good feedback from the 2025 water point locations, and the general sentiment is that it makes the final 50 kilometres less stressful with shorter distances between Biogen oases. We will also be starting earlier in 2026, at 06:00 rather than 06:30, and adding an extra hour to the cut-off time.”

Over the years many World Champions have come to test themselves against the course and the elements, most recently Alan Hatherly braved the kloof and emerged victorious. Photo by Max Sullivan.

“The 12-hour cut-off is a one-time-only extension for the 20^th edition. We’re calling it the ‘Katot Hour’, and I’m sure we’ll see many riders who have previously struggled to achieve an official finish in the past secure that illusive medal next year,” Rademeyer concluded. “Every finisher will also receive a First Ascent finishers’ t-shirt, to indicate them as members of a special club, and entrants will be able to order a special edition First Ascent cycling jersey to commemorate their participation in the race too.”

Entries to the 2026 race open on 7 March 2025 at 12:00. Riders who are not yet ready to take on the full 124 kilometre race can sign up for the 47km – Half – or the 32km – Mini. Both the shorter distance events are ideal for high and primary school mountain bikers. For more information or to enter online visit www.atta.co.za.

Rocks, rocks and more rocks – the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen, tests the technical skills of every rider, which is why the 1 hour extra may help many so many finish in 2026. Photo by Photo by Max Sullivan.