Nedbank Swaziland's Imvelo MTB Classic

Our 4 races make sure everyone can master Imvelo!  All begin along the same route, with the longer distances branching off in search of mountains and technical single track to suit their participants before coming back to the finish in the Rest Camp to share the festivities.

No Helmet – No Ride.  All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Download 2023 Race Day Procedures

RACE ROUTES

There are four routes allowing cyclists of all abilities to enjoy Mlilwane.

65km Nedbank Classic Marathon

The distance belies the total climb and intensity of the race.  A good 20km warm up, then hit those hills…. Technical, tough and extremely rewarding. With a brand new section up in the beautiful mountains of Mlilwane North!

Race profile subject to change.

37km Cabana Challenge

Surprise- you're getting a whole extra 2 km for FREE!! Cutting out most of the mountains, there is a sharp little climb tacked on to the 20km warm up.

Race profile subject to change.

22km Oracle Group Family Fun Race

Age is irrelevant, pace is optional – the 20km “warm up” includes some good hills and downhills, river crossing and a solid taste of what mountain biking is all about. 

Race profile subject to change.​

12.5km Hoglet

Sterie Stumpie ensures our tiny tots have their place in the sun!  Every year we have had fledgling cyclists of 4 years, so we created the Hoglets race to keep them coming. Children U12 years to be accompanied by Guardian

Race profile subject to change.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation and Camping is available at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary and is booked way in advance by our loyal Imvelo supporters.  It is advisable to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  

Accommodation options - Rest Camp

Accommodation options - Reilly's Rock Hilltop Lodge

Accommodation options - Sondzela Backpackers

Book now!

Should these be fully booked, we can provide a list of options in the surrounding Ezulwini and Malkerns areas.

Please contact our Central Reservations Office for assistance: +268 2528 1000 or via reservations@biggameparks.org 

HEALTH & SAFETY

General

An ambulance based at the Rest Camp during the event. Please ride responsibly to avoid using them! Cyclists are requested to report all accidents or problems to the next marshal along the route.

COVID Protocols 

• No mask; no entry
• Make use of the sanitation station around the park
• Maintain social distancing
• For anyone not feeling well for the safety of the other cyclist please stay home.

First Aid Kit

We recommend that each rider has the following in his/her cycling first aid kit: Foil survival blanket, three first aid dressings, five adhesive first aid plasters and sun block. Water is essential.

Weather Protection 

Imvelo is run in winter to avoid summer temperatures and storms. Temperatures may be anything between 10 & 20 degrees - please come prepared!  A very high factor sun block is recommended regardless and this should be re-applied during the day. Evenings and early mornings are particularly chilly.

Malaria

Although you may experience mosquitoes, this area is not an official malarial zone and mosquitoes are not prolific at this time of the year. We still recommend a mosquito repellent.

Bees

Bees are prolific amongst the Gum plantations and farmers place beehives in the area. If you are allergic to bee-stings, we recommend you carry your antihistamine with you.

Mud & Ice

Mud could be experienced on stages so a set of riding glasses is recommended. Eye wash may also be useful. Tyres suitable for mud and thorns are strongly advised.

Early morning frost is highly likely on bridges and rocks.  Please be aware and careful. 

Water in streams and rivers

It is strongly recommended that one does not drink the water from any of the rivers or streams which you will be crossing, as clean as they may seem.  Every water source has human habitation upstream. Clean drinking water will be provided in the Race Villages and at the water tables along the route.

Medical Evacuation

Evacuation plans will be in place to evacuate competitors from remote areas should this be necessary.  

Many of the areas through which you will be riding are very remote and to evacuate you from some of these areas will pose a logistical challenge. We appeal to you to ride in a responsible manner particularly on the Classic & Challenge Routes. The single track follows the river through the bush for over 3km and there is no clearing for a helicopter. The only option at this point is stretcher bearers, who would have hike over up to 5km with you on a stretcher. Not a pleasant task for anyone.

Respect for Landowners

All competitors are asked to respect that without the support of the various landowners and local communities through which this race passes, this event would not be possible. Please show your appreciation for this whenever possible.  Smoking or any fire making on course, particularly in the Forest, is strictly forbidden for obvious reasons.

RACE SUPPORT

Bike Supply Shop

Adventure Sport runs a basic bike supply shop is located at the Start with tyres, tubes, patch & solution and other relative products.  It is always best to bring your own spare kit.

Water Tables on Course

6 water tables are located en-route, 1 in the first 10km (all races), the second in the first 20 km (Classic, Challenge, Family), a third, fourth and fifth shared by the 35km & 64km and the sixth at the King of The Mountain loop, on the 64km.

The first two water tables will have chilled water and fruit ensuring the kiddies and families are well cared for.

A water table is located on the 30km mark servicing only the Classic route, before both the King of the Mountain and the Grim Reeper climbs.  This also serves as a cut off point on the Classic for cyclists too late for the King of the Mountian loop.  Water and energy drink will be availble in gerry cans for decanting.

The final water table is shared by the Classic and Chalelnge races, at the 49km and 25km marks respectively and powers the last of the climbs in both races.  The Challenge climb is a simple up-and-over, whereas the Classic Race takes you through the final sting in the tail aka 'The Scorpion' - a good reason to fill up!  Water and energy drink will be availble in gerry cans for decanting.

Although the latter 2 water tables will serve energy drinks, we recommend that you carry your own favourite brand of energy bars, gels etc.

Food & Beverage in Rest Camp

The race finish areas are located within Mlilwane Main Camp where food stalls are set up for easy take-aways such as baked potatoes, pancakes, hot-dogs & hamburgers. 

Tea and coffee as well as all other beverages (alcoholic and soft) can be purchased from the bars that will be located in the finish area.

Food Stalls will be available with a selection of takeaway meals

Kiddies corner will be available

RACE RULES

GENERAL

No Helmet No Ride. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

REGISTRATION

No entries at registration, under whatever circumstance! Registration times will be strictly adhered to. Late cyclists will join the next category.

There will be no refunds. Registration times:

• 01 September at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Esangweni Gate; from 13:00 to 19:00.
• 02 September at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Esangweni Gate; from 10:00 am till late.
• Race Day from 05:00am at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Esangweni Gate; from 05:00am. Registration closes 45 minutes before the start of each race (Classic 07:15; Challenge 08:30; Family & Hoglet 09:00).

No changes after registration

EN-ROUTE

Imvelo Rules at Mlilwane:

• Animals have right of way.
• No littering and No Smoking on course.
• The Organiser’s Decision is final.
• Cyclists will be Disqualified for following the Wrong Route, missing marshal points, giving incorrect information    at registration or ignoring marshal instructions
• Any accident involving animals must be reported to the organisers. The cyclist is fully responsible for such  accidents.
• Cyclists are requested to report any accidents or problems on the routes to the next marshal/official on the  route.
• Do not interfere with animal or plant life unnecessarily.
• Beware of crocodiles, hippos, warthogs and cars
• Please stick to the designated paths and roads
• Please ensure that we receive your number board at the finish – R30.00 admin fee per board missing!

Course marking:

• Single day glow stickers demarcate the route, always on the left.
• Turns – Double day-glow stickers indicate a turn up ahead, located on the side to which cyclist turns; single sticker confirmation on left thereafter
• Watch signs – no cars; arrows; specific route direction – family, challenge & classic
• Black arrow indicates the direction
• A mess of chevron tape indicates a dangerous area; a marshal point or a warning of a turn – please slow down
• Danger areas must be respected and speed must be reduced
• Chevron tape across the road indicates a closed road
• Single tracks are not necessarily mature and can be very bumpy. Proceed with caution

Timing & Results

Less than 3 entries per category will be classified in the preceding category.

All cyclists must be in the Start Enclosure 10 Minutes before their race starts.

Cut off Times will be strictly adhered to :

• Hippo Dam, 12h00 (Family)
• Donga Route, 13h00 (Family)
• End of Hippo Trail, 10h30 (Classic); 12h00 (Challenge)
• Bottom of Nyonyane 12h45 (Classic, Challenge)
• Scorpion, 13h00 (Classic)

The times of the top 15 cyclists of each race will be taken. Thereafter rough time estimates will be given.

Placing will be according to the first cyclist home in each individual category. This will be verified with all marshal points. Queries/Protests must be lodged at the organiser’s Desk within 15 minutes after the results are posted. Results will be posted 30 minutes before Prize Giving.

No alcohol may be consumed by any official while on duty or cyclists before or during the race. Officials are on duty until such time they are stood down by the organisers.

RACE RESULTS
 

2022 Results

Full Results HERE

Milky Max 12,5km

2019 Results

Full Results HERE

Milky Max 12,5km

2018 Results

Download 2018 Full Results here

Milky Max 12,5km

2017 Results

Download 2017 Full Results here

Milky Max 12,5km

2016 Results

Milky Max 12,5km

Full 2016 results

2015 Results

2014 Results

2013 Results

2012 Results

Previous Year's Results

2011

2010

Feedback

We appreciate all the feedback we can get!  Please complete our Survey Form and contribute to an even better Imvelo!

Survey Form

COMMUNITY

With the generous sponsorship by Nedbank Eswatini and support of our many sponsors and participants, proceeds from Imvelo MTB Classic fund community and conservation projects linked to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.  We prefer to support larger meaningful projects, sometimes requiring bi-annual projects.  All projects are created in collaboration with the community involved, and we aim to move the benefit between communities.

To date, Imvelo MTB Classic has supported schools in Esitjeni and Siphocosini communities.  We have maintained school floors, painted the buildings, erected gutters and water tanks for rain water collection and sponsored office equipment. 

Our biggest project to date has been the construction of the Spring Water Project in Hlabazonkhe area of Siphocosini.  Proceeds were held for a few years to fund this project, which included stabilizing the outlet of a strong mountain spring used by people and livestock.  Water tanks on a solid base provide storage, with taps for human consumption and separate area for livestock.  Highly durable washing troughs were also erected for the ladies who have always done their washing at the spring.  The project has ensured clean water supply, separated animal from human areas and assisted in controlling soil erosion in the area.