Jan Withaar defended his Glacier Waterberg Traverse title with two stage wins from the three days of racing on the Summerplace singletracks. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for ZCMC Media.
Jan Withaar won two stages en route to the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse title on Sunday, 11 May.
Jan Withaar won two stages en route to the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse title on Sunday, 11 May. The foundations of the Insect Science Azimuth man’s victory were laid on Friday and Saturday when he established a 5 minute buffer over Jaedon Terlouw. The PYGA Euro Steel rider won the final stage, but could only reduce Withaar’s advantage by 1:52. In the women’s race, Adrienne Moolman also claimed two stage wins, before Yolande de Villiers won on the last day, but the GIC rider had done enough to win by over 8 minutes.
The real spirit of the Glacier Waterberg Traverse is far behind the racers at the sharp end. Despite the mud from 1 300 millimetres of rain in the first five months of the year, which is double the usual annual average for Summerplace Game Reserve, a great time was had by all. Between muddy wallows in the water courses, the singletracks thrilled with long flowing sections followed by short technical pieces. “The riding here has a bit of everything,” De Villiers praised. “There are climbs and descents, rocks, smooth trails, sandy sections, and this year, mud, lots of mud. Every South African mountain biker needs to come ride in Summerplace!”
Saturday’s Stage 2 was Glacier Day, when virtually every rider in the field wore their Glacier by Sanlam First Ascent cycling jersey. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for ZCMC Media.
To keep the riding in the ‘traverse spirit’ as pioneered by the Glacier Storms River Traverse, Dryland Event Management created a shorter Ride and a tougher Race option at the Glacier Waterberg Traverse. The Ride campaigners took on two 40 kilometre courses and a final 30 kilometre long stage, while the Race competitors conquered 50-, 60-, and 40-kilometre routes. Bright sunshine and warm weather helped dry the trails and the riding got better day after day as the long weekend progressed.
Yolande de Villiers praised the Summerplace Game Reserve for its exceptional trails, which feature all the challenges any mountain biker could hope for. Photo by Justin Reinecke for ZCMC Media.
On Stage 1, Withaar won by 4 minutes, while Moolman won by 2. The Queen Stage, on Saturday, saw both overnight leaders add to their advantages. Moolman’s dominance on Stage 2 ballooned her lead out to just over 10 minutes, while Terlouw leapfrogged Ignatius du Preez to move from third to second, on the day and on the general classification, behind Withaar.
Local racer, Ignatius du Preez finished third behind the regular visitors to his home trails, Withaar and Terlouw. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for ZCMC Media.
Stage 2 was also Glacier Day, where the title sponsors treated the riders to a complimentary coffee at breakfast, a post-ride beer, and the trails came alive to a river of Glacier by Sanlam-branded First Ascent cycling jerseys. Social media engagement was rewarded with prizes in the evening, and the Weber Braai chill zone opened early to provide snacks virtually on the finish line. Later, the music played into the night, accompanying the tales from the trails and dancing.
Jan Withaar rode back to Water Point 2, on Stage 2, to sample the ostrich steaks and help barbeque on the Weber Braai. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for ZCMC Media.
De Villiers and Terlouw thus had uphill tasks ahead of the final stage if they were to seize victories. Both were able to claim a consolation stage win, but Moolman and Withaar did more than enough to secure their titles. “I punctured today,” Withaar explained. “I definitely didn’t want to gift anyone a stage win. If I could have I’d have raced Jaedon to the line.”
PYGA Euro Steel’s Jaedon Terlouw had to be content with second. Photo by Sage Lee Voges for ZCMC Media.
“I love this event,” the double champion smiled. “The trails are incredible and the organisation is so good. Dryland always goes the extra mile for the riders, and it shows.” Withaar himself went the extra mile, doubling back to a water point on Stage 2 in order to help with the braai duties.
Herman Fourie, who grew up racing on the Summerplace trails, broke his rear wheel on Stage 3 and could not complete the race. Photo by Justin Reinecke for ZCMC Media.
Mountain bikers who missed the action in Summerplace can share in the relaxed atmosphere and festive riding experience at the Glacier Storms River Traverse. It is set to take place from the 1st to the 3rd of August in Tsitsikamma region of the Eastern Cape. To join the social mountain biking extravaganza visit, www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za.
Christian (left) and Anton Moolman (centre) celebrated not only Adrienne Moolman’s title but three days of riding as a family at the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse. Photo by Justin Reinecke for ZCMC Media.
To reflect on the 2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse competitors and mountain biking fans can like the Glacier Waterberg Traverse on Facebook page, or follow @waterbergtraverse on Instagram. Highlights of the event can also be viewed on the Dryland Event Management YouTube channel. The 2026 race dates will be announced at the end of May 2025, so would-be riders can visit www.waterbergtraversemtb.co.za to stay updated.
2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse Results:
Men’s General Classification after Stage 3:
- Jan Withaar: Insect Science (6:21:06)
- Jaedon Terlouw: PYGA Euro Steel (6:24:16 | +3:10)
- Ignatius du Preez: Summerplace (6:28:08 | +7:02)
2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse Men’s Podium (from left to right): Ignatius du Preez, Jan Withaar, and Jaedon Terlouw. Photo by Justin Reinecke for ZCMC Media.
Women’s General Classification after Stage 3:
- Adrienne Moolman: GIC (8:34:03)
- Yolande de Villiers: Privateer (8:42:39 | +8:36)
- Rozaan Bekker: Privateer (9:05:16 | +31:13)
2025 Glacier Waterberg Traverse Women’s Podium (from left to right): Yolande de Villiers, Adrienne Moolman, and Rozaan Bekker. Photo by Justin Reinecke for ZCMC Media.
For the full results, please click here.
