GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The 2019 Trans Baviaans, an ultra-endurance mountain bike race, will take place on Saturday 10 August through the mountains of Baviaaans.

Among the 1 250 riders who will take on the challenge to Jeffery's Bay are Mike Posthumus, Derrin Smith, Sarah Hill, and Theresa Ralph.

Over the 230km route, which includes 2 850 meters of climbing, there are ample opportunities for misfortune.

How each team, of two to four riders, overcomes these adversities will ultimately decide the winners.

"The roads aren't in as good a condition as they were last year", said race director Zane Schmahl.Two-time Trans Baviaans champion and women's course record holder Hill will once again partner four-time winner, Ralph.

The Galileo Risk pair has made the Trans Baviaans one of their key races over the last two seasons.

"Teamwork is way more than simply riding together," Hill said.

"Encouragement and support are essential, and both of you coming into the race with the same goal is vital," she advised. Outside of the men's and women's races, the mixed category race could be the most fiercely contested. The pre-race favourites are the team of Kevin Taljaard and Anriette Schoeman. Taljaard is no stranger to Trans Baviaans, having won the second weekend's repeat event alongside De Villiers on two occasions.

Sarah Hill (right) and Theresa Ralph (left) will start their third Trans Baviaans as a team on the 10 August.

He also placed second behind De Villiers and Ungerer with Siska van der Berg in 2018.

While the challenging weather and road conditions will make for a tough race, it should ensure an exciting race for mountain biking fans.

Friends and family members of riders can follow the event on social media.

Updates from the race will also be available from selected WiFi hotspots on the remote route, on www.transbaviaans.co.za, and Twitter @EcoBoundEvents.

'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'