The Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Challenge (Linda Vika)

One of the most exciting sporting events in Southern Africa returned to the Victoria Falls area this year for the third time running - the Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Challenge. This 3 day gruelling event tests the riding skills and endurance of cyclists in various age categories as they made their way through tough terrain against the backdrop of the scenic Victoria Falls. Here is a brief look at this exciting event which has earned its place on the cycling calendar.

Participants in the Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Challenge will be based at the luxurious Kingdom Hotel, offering family members the opportunity to come along and support their cycling heroes as they participate in the three day event.

Day One

The first day will see participants cycling approximately 70 km as they follow the path of the upper Zambezi River through the beautiful terrain of the Zambezi National Park. The route includes riverside sections and inland sections which afford rider magnificent views of the river.

Day Two

Day two of the Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Challenge places participants on a 90 km route through a private game reserve which will offer the exhilaration of game viewing during the course of the race. A full briefing with regard to any dangers involved will be presented the night before in order to assure safety during this exciting leg of the race. Moving in the opposite direction to day one, this route includes Kalahari sand sections as well as challenging but scenic paths through the bush.

Day Three

The Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Challenge ends with an 82 km leg through the Masuwe area of the falls. The route takes riders to the top of the Gorge, through a challenging route which includes dirt, sand and path sections.

Each day's racing is concluded with a relaxing dinner at the Kingdom Hotel, with a banquet to mark the end of the race on day three. The afternoons and early evenings may be spent with family touring the area, enjoying a quick round of golf, or relaxing around the pool at the hotel.