MEDIA RELEASE by Trystan Haynes | Over 50 teams have entered into this year’s World Series 500km adventure race; Expedition Africa of which 15 teams reign from International countries making this event not worth missing. The Garden Route, and specifically Knysna are known as the ‘home of adventure’; the perfect playground for course designer Stephan Muller to create his master piece for this year’s event.
Stephan and Heidi Muller have ventured through the Garden Route since September last year discovering the perfect locations to showcase this spectacular land to all teams taking part.
“From mountain biking single track through the forest, onto jeep track, district roads and experiencing the desert of the Karoo this year’s route will be the most diverse route. There are spectacular mountain ranges with deep valleys filled with fynbos and ferns in the trekking legs, and adventures along the coast line exposing teams to the most spectacular places in Southern Africa” shares Stephan.
The route has been carefully designed to incorporate all the beautiful aspects of this magnificent area; not only revealing teams to such beauty but creating experiences that teams will unite over and develop the most memorable expedition. According to Heidi Muller “there are ‘hidden gems’ all along the route including an awesome canyon section making this year’s Expedition Africa so unique. Our goal for each Expedition Africa is to create life changing moments; this event takes heart and soul and if this event doesn’t change you to some degree; then we have lost the plot”.
According to Stephan; this year’s Expedition Africa could be any teams race! Teams from all ranking levels now have the opportunity to prove themselves, ensuring this event is a true adventure RACE.
Adventure Racing World Series director; Craig Bycroft will be experiencing this year’s Expedition Africa race first hand with his Australian team; ‘That’s Cray’. “We perceive this as quite an honour; and are excited to welcome him and his team to participate in our event” shares Heidi.
Teams to look out for are French representatives; Team 400 Raidlight (ARWS world ranking 6) and Team Adverne Outdoor (ARWS world ranking 15). Swedish representative; Team Sweco Adventure (ARWS world ranking 17). First time India representatives; Team India. South African representatives; Team Merrell Adventure Addicts (ARWS world ranking 7), Team Olympus (ARWS world ranking 26, Team Jabberwock (ARWS world ranking 35), and Team Featherbed previously known as Team Painted Wolf (ARWS world ranking 44).
According to Ronnie Webster from Featherbed; “We took to the decision to sponsor Team Featherbed/Team Painted Wolf to participate in this iconic race; knowing that our local teams will be very competitive and will represent Knysna and the Garden Route with pride. Featherbed is an iconic tourist destination in the heart of the Garden Route for more than 30 years. We are greatly humbled by the opportunity of hosting media teams from across the globe”.
“We are extremely happy to have the support of Local Businesses like Featherbed and Head over Hills; a 5 Star unique luxury retreat situated on the beautiful edge of the iconic Knysna Heads. Head Over Hills; are sponsoring a local team, treating Expedition Africa Media and getting actively involved in the event’s Community Project which will be held on the Saturday prior to the race, at the Mosaic market; Sedgefield” shares Heidi Muller.
“The event is more than an event, it is connecting us as a region. The route requires that people from all walks of life and disciplines talk to one another and work together. Soon, we will be extending this connection to the rest of the world through over 50 teams that will be traversing our magnificent area” shares Greg Vogt; CEO of Visit Knysna.
With many local teams entered into the event; there are multiple supporter transitions, ensuring the excitement and camaraderie travels throughout the Garden Route. Organisers are confident that locals will even meet teams along the course of the race; as the pass by shops or restaurants. Moreover those not in the area will have the pleasure of supporting their teams from the comfort of their home. According to Heidi Muller; with over 50 teams entered we will break our record for live tracking with this year’s Expedition Africa.
Host venue; Pine Lake Marina will welcome all teams and media groups to the Expedition Africa race village from 13 to 22 May 2016. Here teams will enjoy the beauty of the tranquil lake, blazing fires and the perfect residence for supporting families and friends to join in the festivities.
- Name: Expedition Africa
- Dates: 13 May 2016 – 22 May 2016
- Province: Western Cape, Knysna Tourism
- Host Venue: Pine Lake Marina
- Total Teams: 50
Get in touch with the organisers! On Facebook or simply visit Expedition Africa for constant updates of videos and other interesting information. View Visit Knysna; Head over Hills; Featherbed for interesting information on Knysna and the phenomenal tourism within and around the town.
Words by Trystan Haynes. Photos by Bruce Viaene.