The 2026 Momentum Medical Scheme Tankwa Trek, presented by Biogen, gets underway on Thursday, 5 February, reaffirming its status as South Africa’s flagship four-day UCI mountain bike stage race. With S1 Union Cycliste Internationale status, the event draws a deep elite field, fiercely competitive age-category racing and some of the strongest mountain bikers from South and Southern Africa.
Rugged Terrain Defines the Challenge
Hosted at Kaleo Guest Farm in the Koue Bokkeveld, north of Ceres, the Tankwa Trek is renowned for its harsh, rocky terrain. Central to the race is the iconic Merino Monster, the biggest climb in South African mountain biking. Stretching 20 kilometres from the Ceres Valley floor to the summit, the climb gains 1 000 metres in elevation, with the final 8 kilometres averaging a punishing 8.8%. Technical singletrack at Kaleo and demanding trails in the Witzenberg Valley ensure no stage offers relief.
Defending Champions Carry Expectations
Marco Joubert and Tristan Nortje return as defending champions for Toyota Specialized Imbuko A, starting the race with number one bike boards and the weight of expectation. While early-season results have been modest, their consistency and experience over multi-day racing make them favourites. Toyota Specialized Imbuko’s depth, with multiple pairings on the start line, could prove decisive in the tactical battles ahead.
Rivals Poised to Challenge
The strongest opposition comes from two Singer KTM Racing teams featuring Andreas Seewald, Jakob Hartmann, Simon Stiebjahn and Martin Frey. Their collective experience in tough terrain and stage racing positions them as serious contenders. The Insect Science pairing of Johan van Zyl and Wessel Botha also loom large as they chase a maiden Tankwa Trek victory, backed by solid team support.
Depth Across the Men’s Field
Further podium challengers include Computer Mania PRO MTB and D2mont Merida, while a compelling battle among rising talents from Demacon Racing, Absolute Motion and Kings of Neon adds intrigue. This unofficial race-within-a-race may well reveal future Tankwa Trek champions.
Women’s UCI Race Headlined by Champions
The UCI Women’s field is led by defending champions Vera Looser of Namibia and South African champion Samantha Sanders. Despite racing without a second team for support, their experience makes them favourites. European contenders and strong local pairings add depth to a competitive women’s race.
Heat, Hills and High Stakes
Stage 1 opens with a 32-kilometre afternoon test, with temperatures nearing 30°C. Hot conditions are forecast throughout the race, including a humid Queen Stage and a potentially scorching final day.
A Race That Rewards Strength and Strategy
With brutal terrain, oppressive heat and a world-class field, Tankwa Trek 2026 will once again reward resilience, teamwork and consistency. As defending champions face determined rivals and emerging talents seize their chance, the Bokkeveld is set to deliver another uncompromising edition of South Africa’s premier mountain bike stage race
