CYCLING NEWS - Good times are synonymous with the Glacier Storms River Traverse - but sunshine is not something riders have come to expect.
A rare weekend of sunshine in the Tsitsikamma
Over the event’s 14-year history, it has been rare for the sun to shine for three consecutive days. However, in 2026, the weather gods were on the side of the 250 mountain bikers who gathered in the Tsitsikamma, delivering near-perfect conditions with temperatures reaching around 20°C and barely a cloud in sight.
The warm weather lifted spirits even higher and helped make this year’s event one to remember.
“We had rain last week, but the weekend looks perfect,” said Tsitsikamma Village Inn co-owner David Pienaar ahead of the race on Thursday. “The tracks will be muddy in places, but not as muddy as in previous years.”
His prediction proved accurate. From Friday, 31 July, to Sunday, 2 August, plantation roads and indigenous forest tracks gradually dried out, leaving riders with a mixture of flowing trails, puddles and just enough mud to keep the traditional Storms River Traverse character alive.
After all, a little mud is part of what makes the Glacier Storms River Traverse what it is.
More than just a mountain bike race
The fact that riders return year after year, despite the possibility of rain and muddy conditions, highlights the unique appeal of the event beyond the cycling itself.
For many participants, the weekend has become a reunion - a chance to reconnect with old friends, celebrate milestones and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Tsitsikamma.
Festivities began as riders arrived on Thursday, 30 July, with popcorn, sweets, droë wors, Perdeberg Wines and Weihenstephaner beers on offer. A Biogen fuelling station also helped riders prepare for the physical challenge ahead.
The fun began at Registration, on Thursday 30 July, when the Weihenstephaner beers and Perdeberg Wines got riders and non-riders alike into the spirit of the event. Photo by Oakpics.com
Stage 1: A challenging start with spectacular views
The opening 62km stage presented the longest distance of the weekend, although it was not necessarily the toughest.
With 950m of climbing, much of the elevation gain came from the double ascent of Storms River Pass - first at the start and again towards the finish.
Between those climbs, riders enjoyed the smoother MTO plantation dual tracks, allowing them to ride alongside one another while taking in the surroundings.
The two water points, powered by Glacier by Sanlam and GWM South Africa respectively, offered breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean and became popular stopping points for riders.
The temptation to linger was strong, especially with the famous Dryland Event Management food spread waiting at the finish line.
Stage 2 delivers memorable riding
Stage 2 was arguably the highlight of the weekend, although riders had to work hard before enjoying the fast descents.
The challenging climbs were rewarded with thrilling downhill sections through the Tsitsikamma landscape.
Whether it was the tough riding or the previous evening’s celebrations at Hunter’s Pub, riders arrived hungry - and the water points once again proved difficult to leave.
The second water point was a particular favourite, with ostrich fillet strips fresh off the Webber braai proving a major attraction.
The water points on Stage 1 are superbly located, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Photo by Oakpics.com
Final stage brings celebration and emotion
The final day carried a mixture of celebration and sadness as riders realised the adventure was coming to an end.
“I’m happy, but I’d love to just stay here and ride every day,” one rider said. “I’m not ready to go home.”
Stage 3 combined indigenous forest trails, pine plantation tracks and the iconic Storms River Pass descent and ascent to bring the 2026 Glacier Storms River Traverse to a memorable conclusion.
For most riders, the highlight was the combination of challenging trails, spectacular scenery and the friendships formed along the way.
Winners celebrate outstanding performances
While many riders focused on the experience rather than the podium, several participants delivered exceptional performances.
Karina and Kelvyn Els claimed victory in the E-Bike Teams competition, finishing 1 minute and 44 seconds ahead of Dalene Eksteen and Bas Gouweloos after three days of racing.
Paul Andries De Vos and Maria Palm won the solo men’s and women’s E-Bike categories respectively, while Alex Hayman and Joshua Le Roux took the men’s team division on traditional bikes.
Marisca Steyn and Arnou Oberholzer were the fastest mixed team on normal bikes, while Yolande de Villiers secured the solo women’s title with a combined time that would have placed her second in the solo men’s category.
Young riders shine
Three young riders also impressed throughout the event.
Ella Corrigan and Camille Chasteau De Balyon dominated the women’s team category, using the event as preparation for future stage racing challenges.
The standout performer of the weekend was 19-year-old Ruan Portwig, who finished faster than all but one of the solo E-Bike riders across the three stages - showcasing his exceptional potential.
Camille Chasteau De Balyon (left) and Ella Corrigan (right) proved that they could be a stage race pairing to watch over the three days. Photo by Oakpics.com
A weekend to remember in the Tsitsikamma
The 2026 Glacier Storms River Traverse once again demonstrated why the event remains a favourite among mountain bikers.
With stunning scenery, challenging routes, great food and a strong sense of community, the event offered riders a memorable long weekend in one of South Africa’s most beautiful natural environments.
To view highlights from the sunny weekend in the Tsitsikamma Forests, follow @stormsrivertraverse on Instagram or visit the Glacier Storms River Traverse Facebook page.
For more information, visit www.stormsrivertraverse.co.za or explore the Glacier Waterberg Traverse at www.waterbergtraversemtb.co.za.
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