Less than six weeks after completing the Absa Cape Epic, Lachlan Morton returns to South Africa for The Munga, a 1,000-kilometer mountain bike race across the South African desert from December 1-6 in mid-summer.

The race has a 100-hour time limit and an elevation gain of approximately 6,500 meters. There are 10 water stations and five race villages along the course, where competitors can rest, refuel, and receive mechanical assistance. [To be honest, I don't know much about the details of the race, other than the fact that it is very long and remote, but I look forward to discovering more as the race progresses," Lachlan said on the EF Education Nippo Team website.

"There are five different checkpoints and the rest are taken care of by you without support. You're on your own, and I like races that have that element."

The race takes place in the Karoo Desert in the middle of summer, with high temperatures during the day and dramatically cooler nights.

"It's a very harsh environment that the race goes through. It gets very hot during the day and very cold at night. The heat and the cold can get to you very quickly, and it can be difficult to make up for it. Both of these things would stop you in your tracks. It's going to be a very big challenge," he says. [Water is a big issue. We need to make it a priority, so we're trying to figure out how much water we can carry. Lighting is also important, of course, because we will be driving at night.

Morton last raced in South Africa in mid-October in Cape Epic, Western Cape, where he completed an eight-day partner stage race with Kenneth Kalaya. Morton trained with EF Education veteran Alex Howes and was scheduled to compete in this event, but when Howes fell at Pike's Peak Apex and was unable to compete due to a broken finger, Kalaya took his place.

Like the 18-day, 5,510-km Alt Tour de France test earlier this year, Morton will return for a solo adventure.

"I like to give it my all and adapt to any situation that requires all of me. I like being on the starting line, not knowing what's going to happen. In a race like this, you only have yourself to rely on and you never know what kind of challenges await you. It's a cool feeling. That's what I love about these adventures," said the Australian, who now specializes in ultra-endurance events around the world.

"The best stuff always comes when you push on and get out the other side. That's where the real rewards are. Be present in that painful moment and be aware that it will pass. Ultimately, that's where you're going to be humbled, and I know Munga will be very difficult, but I'm looking forward to a few days of one-of-a-kind challenges."