The 4 day mountain bike stage race will be taking place on the tropical island of Sri Lanka for the second time and has already attracted a strong international field, including defending champion, Ismael Ventura of Spain.
Over the 300km course, riders take on the hot and humid jungles to the south of the country, climb through mountain hugging tea plantations and cross the islands highest plateau, Horton plains, before finishing in Sri Lanka’s cultural capital of Kandy.
During the 4 stages, riders will be treated to the finest Sri Lanka hospitality on offer, complete with 3*+ hotel accommodation, 3 meals a day and full race support, including nutrition by Torq, race mechanics and masseurs.
Once the racing is over, riders will be transferred via steam train, to the coast for the closing ceremony and a beach party to rival all others. The Sri Lankans certainly know how to enjoy themselves!
For 2016, the race is being run as a single category event, with time advantages being applied for gender and age, meaning that everybody is in with a chance of getting amongst to $10,000 prize fund. If this wasn’t incentive enough, the overall winner will also receive free entry into Yak Attack, the world’s highest mountain bike race, which for its 10th anniversary is heading into the kingdom of upper Mustang.
The island of Sri Lanka offers so much more than just excellent mountain bike trails. There’s palm fringed, sun soaked white sandy beaches, world class surfing, wild elephant safaris, Buddhist temples, the list is endless. As the national carrier, Sri Lanka Airlines offers direct flights from many European cities and with only an approximate 10 hour flight time, this jewel in the Indian ocean is more easily accessible than many other exotic locations.
Rumble in the Jungle takes places from June 12th and there are still limited places available. Full details can be found on the Rumble in the Jungle website.
Words and photos: Mountain Biking Worldwide Ltd. PR
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