sani

about sani2c
state of near panic. They were
faced with the dilemma of
disappointing more than 700
mountain bikers if they were to
remain on the original 300 team
limit for the race in 2006. After
careful deliberation, the decision
was taken to increase race
numbers to accommodate
500 teams in 2006.
2006 The 2006 event saw
Subaru coming on board as
the title sponsor. With their
assistance, the event was
elevated to the next level and was
a resounding success despite the
increased numbers and torrid
conditions experienced on Day 1.
2007 The 2007 Subaru sani2c
was restricted to just over 600
teams. For the first time since
its inception, the weather gods
smiled on the event and all
three days saw near perfect
conditions. Later that year,
Subaru sani2c was awarded the
status of Best Cycle Race of the
Year at the Annual South African
Cycling Awards evening. But
sani2c has always known that it
is only as good as its next event.
2008 Demand for entries
and pressure from communities
wanting to participate in the
event saw some radical changes
for the 2008 event. The decision
to change the format of the
event to be run as two separate
races, split into the sani2c
Adventure and sani2c Race, was
a world first. This allowed further
opportunities for community
involvement and accommodated
all teams on the 2007 waiting
list. It also warranted improving
facilities at the overnight race
villages. The two 2008 events
were a huge success.
The new format proved to be
a massive hit and the demand
for a place on the Adventure has
become most sought after. In
2008, sani2c was, once again,
awarded the status of Best Cycle
Race of the Year.
2009 When entries opened
for the 2009 event, 93% of
the previous year’s teams
re-entered. However, due to
different partners riding with
previous entrants, the event
still enjoyed a massive list of
newcomers. To handle the
increased numbers, the route
planners developed a number of
innovative new ideas – and every
year they still come up with new
and exciting innovations.
2010 Subaru sani2c 2010 saw
an even larger demand and
the size proved problematic.
As a result, the 2011 race field
was cut down to 650 teams
per event. The weather during
the 2010 event also proved a
challenge and unfortunately the
glorious Umkomaas section was
not ridden. Nevertheless, sani2c
2010 was another great event.
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