Title sponsor RE-CM will be offering almost R100 000 worth of prizes in next year’s Knysna 200 mountain bike race, for which entries opened this week.

The third edition of the three-stage race will take place along the Garden Route from June 7, 2013.

In addition, RE-CM will be giving away unit trusts to the value of R50 000 in a raffle, with proceeds from ticket sales going to a charity of choice.

According to race organiser Patric Mosterd, the increased investment will go a long way towards making the 200km event one of the most prestigious and sought-after on the annual mountain biking calendar.

The 74km first stage, featuring 1 540m of ascent, will roll out from the Knysna Elephant Park, pass through lush Wittedrift farms and follow the old railway line to the lagoonside finish.

The 68km second stage, which climbs 1 250m, starts in Rheenendal and takes riders through the “no-go” sections of the Garden Route National Park.

The fast and flat 60km third stage begins on the Harkerville Red Route and makes its way along the cliffs between Plettenberg Bay and Harkerville before descending into Knysna.

Enter now at www.gardenrouteevents.co.za.