Entries for the Chas Everitt Around the Pot, presented by SEESA, opened on Sunday, 1 November. The 2021 races – which include a 25-miler, 60-miler, 100-miler and ultra-endurance 200-miler – are set to take place on Saturday, 24 July. Riders who held entries to the Covid-19 affected 2020 event will be able to roll their entries over to the 2021 edition.
“After the general disruptions to racing and enforced postponement of the fourth edition of the Chas Everitt Around the Pot, presented by SEESA, this year we’re really looking forward to the 2021 event” said Petrichor Adventures’ Rohan Germishuys. “The new pont is in the water at Malgas and we’re bullish that the race will be a great success. As Petrichor Adventures we’ve been amazed at the growth of the race year-on-year and as the entries have grown, we’ve worked to improve our offerings to the riders too.”
| Fast Facts: 2021 Chas Everitt Around the Pot, presented by SEESA | |
| Date | 24 July 2021 |
| Venue | Swellendam Showgrounds, Swellendam, Western Cape |
| Entries Open | 1 November 2020 |
| Entries Close | Midnight, 21 July 2021 |
| 200-Miler | R1 100 | 321km with 4 000m of climbing |
| 100-Miler | R800 | 160km with 2 350m of climbing |
| 60-Miler | R600 | 98km with 1 500m of climbing |
| 25-MIler | R325 | 42km with 500m of climbing |
| Website | www.aroundthepot.co.za |
| Around the Pot | |
| @around_the_pot |
“We’re particularly excited for the inaugural 200-Miler” he enthused. “It’s the first of it’s kind in South Africa and we believe that the terrain of the Rûens and the Overberg has the topography to create a legendary 200-Miler race. The route, like the 100-Miler distance, is suitable for gravel bikes. If anything, with a greater percentage of district road, I’m sure gravel bikes will be the most efficient weapon on the day.”
“The 200-Miler route gives us the opportunity to showcase more of the region than ever before” Germishuys added. “It loops out towards Stormsvlei, passes through Protem and extends south towards Napier and Bredasdorp, before heading towards Malgas. The 100-, 60- and 25-Miler routes remain largely unchanged. With a few small refinements to the final few kilometres, to ensure a more pleasurable finish to the race.”
“Riders who entered the 2020 event will be able to ride the 2021 event with their existing entries” Germishuys promised. “Petrichor Adventures would like to thank all our 2020 entrants for their patience and understanding. The corona virus pandemic has had a tremendous negative impact on Swellendam, as it’s a town driven in no small part by tourism. So, we hope that 2021 will bring lots of cyclists to our town; for the Chas Everitt Around the Pot, presented by SEESA, as well as weekends of leisure riding and training.”
Beyond the race the Petrichor Adventures team has also been hard at work trail building. Though Swellendam has become known for gravel grinding, the region also boasts incredible singletrack mountain biking. Nearby Grootvadersbosch Conservancy has long been a mountain bikers’ playground, but increasingly Swellendam itself is providing reasons for riders to linger for trail explorations.
Though there are bed and breakfasts aplenty in Swellendam Chas Everitt Around the Pot, presented by SEESA, entrants are encouraged to book their accommodation as soon as they have entered the race. “We hope we’ll attract record numbers in 2021 and fill as many bed nights as possible for Swellendam’s accommodation businesses” Germishuys added. “Riders will also be able to book to stay in luxury canvas tents, complete with stretchers, mattresses, a bedside table and chairs. These tents are pitched near the finish line, on the Swellendam Show Grounds, which make the weekend’s logistics very easy.”
To enter the 2021 Chas Everitt Around the Pot, presented by SEESA, visit www.aroundthepot.co.za.
Source: Seamus Allardice Media
