Africa Classic International Edition requires the right equipment, a high stamina and some mountain bike skills. Once you register, you will have access to all our tips, tools and downloads. These include our Fundraising, Training, Equipment and Health Coaches, who will help you to get to the starting line well-prepared. The better your preparation, the more fun you will have out there!
High-quality equipment is very important for the Africa Classic International Edition. After registration, we will give you a complete packing list. You will need to take precautionary measures for your tyres in particular! More information about the right equipment is available by checking out the Equipment Coach.
Africa Classic International Edition is an athletic challenge, but anyone can do it with the right training. We have engaged a document Training Coach specially for Africa Classic International Edition. Check out your own level and find out what type of training would be best for you. This is different for everyone, but one thing is always the same: proper preparation is essential!
Medical Requirements
A Sports Medical Examination including a submaximal test is compulsory. This test is of a preventative nature and will ensure that you start the event safely and responsibly.
It is a tough week on the bike, so there are five more conditions that must be met to make it safe:
1. A BMI of less than 30; important to prevent heat-related conditions.
2. A high stamina: this means your VO2 max is over 27 (women) or 36 (men).
3. You are able to cycle for an hour with your heart rate at 70% of the maximum.
4. All your vaccinations and malaria medication are in order.
5. Visit your GP if your result is higher than it should be.
Any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Africa Classic International Edition is pretty tough, especially as the temperatures will rise to over 35 degrees C in the daytime. We will be virtually on the equator, where the sun is extremely strong, so sun-protective clothing and sports-proof sun cream are an absolute must. Africa Classic takes place in the dry season, which means the roads will be dusty and a buff is no unnecessary luxury.
For European bikers: If you are a European who is suddenly going to do strenuous physical exercise in Africa, you will discover that you are not good at sweating: compared with an African, you will lose much more salt per litre of sweat. Another phenomenon that can happen when you do heavy exercise in the heat is that your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels. Registered participants will be given extensive information on how to reduce the risk of overheating.
The Kenyan participants only need a passport or a temporary travel permit and for vaccinations yellow fever.
For European participants: you must arrange your own visa at the relevant Embassy in your country before departure.
The following vaccinations are strongly recommended:
- Yellow fever
- DTP
- Hepatitis A
- Rabies
Apply to your healthcare insurer to find out about costs. It is also strongly recommended to take malaria tablets and use DEET cream. Read our document Health Coach (available to participants) and take proper advice from a qualified medical doctor or organisation.
Each participant must book their own travel to Tanzania. The nearest airport from the start is Kilimanjaro Airport. For Kenyan participants: we will offer the possibility to travel with your bike from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro by bus. You will be informed later about the details and the costs of this transport.
“After registering for the Africa Classic, I dusted off my old mountain bike. Using the tips from the organisers and the bike shop, my bike never let me down!”
“In order to get the most enjoyment out of the ‘magic moments’ of the Africa Classic, I and my team took the time to practise our MTB skills. It made the trip so much easier."
“Go for it! Don’t worry about the distance or getting sponsors. It will be the best experience of your life!”
“As a non-cyclist I worried before the event. Fortunately, that was completely unnecessary – it was an unforgettable experience! The landscape, the kids, the group, the campsites, everything made an indelible impression.”
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