The CIEL Fundsmith Colin Mayer Tour, a prominent mountain biking event in Mauritius, is set to take place from October 16 to 18, 2026, in FERNEY. This year's edition marks a new chapter as the event moves from the west coast to FERNEY, promising an exciting experience for participants and spectators alike. The event has been organized for 11 years and has become a major gathering for mountain biking enthusiasts.

The presentation for the event took place on October 7 at Nouvelle Usine, where the president of the organizing committee, Michel Mayer, and the technical director, Christophe Chasteau, provided details about the event. Registration for the event closed on September 24, and participants can collect their race bibs on October 13 at Nouvelle Usine in Floréal. This year's event features new routes that explore the southeast and east regions of Mauritius.

The 11th edition of the CIEL Fundsmith Colin Mayer Tour will feature over 400 cyclists from Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, and Europe. The event includes a three-day duo race, a final-stage solo option, and a kids' race for children aged six to 13. The routes will cover distances of 40-50 km with significant elevation changes and varied terrain, offering a challenging and scenic experience for participants.

The event has attracted top cyclists, including Kim Le Court and her South African teammate Heidi Dalton, who are expected to be strong contenders in the women's category. Other notable participants include Mauritian cyclist Yannick Lincoln and German professional Simon Stiebjahn, who will compete in the men's category. The event also features a mix of experienced and amateur cyclists, making for an exciting and competitive atmosphere.

The CIEL Fundsmith Colin Mayer Tour has been co-sponsored by the CIEL Group and Fundsmith for the first time this year. The event is expected to promote the values of passion, determination, and fair play, which are central to the sport. The CIEL Group has expressed its enthusiasm for partnering with the event and hosting it in FERNEY, which is a natural and agricultural destination undergoing responsible transformation.

The event will feature a festival village opposite the old FERNEY factory, which will host the arrivals and departures, as well as provide mechanical support, medical care, and food. Participants can also opt for on-site accommodation, which allows them to take advantage of the event's facilities and immerse themselves in the mountain biking experience.

The CIEL Fundsmith Colin Mayer Tour is expected to be a major event in the mountain biking calendar, attracting cyclists and spectators from across the region. With its new location and challenging routes, this year's edition promises to be an exciting and memorable experience for all involved. The event's organizers are confident that it will continue to promote the values of mountain biking and provide a platform for cyclists to showcase their skills.

Key points

  • The 11th CIEL Fundsmith Colin Mayer Tour takes place in FERNEY from October 16-18, 2026.
  • Over 400 cyclists from several countries are participating in the event.
  • The event features new routes that explore the southeast and east regions of Mauritius.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.