Cycling has truly become a global sport over the past years, reaching hearts and legs of people on all continents; with Antarctica - at least as yet. In many African countries, road-cycling is enjoying an ever increasing popularity. Mt Elgon Race is one of a number of African races, that have been recently added to the OCM race calendar to reflect this trend and to celebrate the diversity of the OCM community.
Unsurpr...
Read moreCycling has truly become a global sport over the past years, reaching hearts and legs of people on all continents; with Antarctica - at least as yet. In many African countries, road-cycling is enjoying an ever increasing popularity. Mt Elgon Race is one of a number of African races, that have been recently added to the OCM race calendar to reflect this trend and to celebrate the diversity of the OCM community.
Unsurprisingly, the name of the race refers to the mountain on whose slopes this race takes place. Situated on the border between Uganda and Kenia, the mountain is an extinct shield volcano and one of the highest mountain formations in eastern Africa; rising about 3000m above the surrounding plains. But before riders become overly worried, the finishing line is situated “only“ 2100m above the start in Mbale.
Surprisingly, Mt Elgon has been identified as the oldest volcano in the chain belonging to the Great East African rift valley system. Its last eruption has been dated at 3 Million years ago. Today it forms the center of the trans-border Mount Elgon Nationalpark.
After setting out north from Mbale, the route is relatively flat until starting to hug the slopes of the mountain, to which this race is dedicated. Heading north-east until about 20km from the line. In those rough 80km hardly any flat road will be found. The hilly terrain, with short ramps reaching double digits, are one of the characteristic features of this race.
When the small town of Kiriki is reached about 25km from the line, the course turns south; climbing from 1225m up the slope of Mt. Elgon one last time, finishing up at 2260m above sea level and 141km of intense racing. When the climb proper starts 125km into the day, it has not much in common with the hills the riders perviously encountered. It welcomes the contestants with a steep 11% ramp. The worst, though, is yet to come. 3km later, at race km 128, the steepest point of the climb will boast a punishing 19%.
7km from the line there is one last opportunity for the riders to shake up their legs on a slight decent, 3km in length. Yet, there is still a grueling 2km ramp separating the riders from the relieve of all their pain. Once more double digits are reached; 12% max. Surely the right timing will be crucial here to place a decisive and possibly winning attack. The last km, however, will be more or less flat, requiring riders to ride intelligently and possibly launch a final sprint from a small group.
Chances are, the race could become a favorite with riders, teams and spectators alike! Uganda is proud to host this exciting new race - and maybe, why knows, the Mt. Elgon Race could become a modern African classic! Cycling is for all.
