Race director Jan Venter said the third round of the Madibaz MTB XCO Series would be an exciting event with features to satisfy all levels of mountain bikers.
The event, which takes place at the Nelson Mandela University in George on Sunday, will run on a course yet to feature in this year’s running of the event.
“The race is going to take place in and around the surrounding plantations, so there’s going to be a lot of single-track,” he said.
He said there were lots of exposed roots in the forested areas, which would make it difficult to build momentum.
The third round of the Madibaz MTB XCO Series, presented in association with Old Mutual Private Wealth Management, features a challenging new course. Photo: Supplied
“It means the riders will have to work continuously,” said Venter, who explained they also needed to contend with tight corners, drop-offs and a gap jump.
“It’s a track we’ve used in past years, but this time we’re running it in reverse,” he said. “It might make it a little bit tougher.”
Poor weather at the second round of the series, which took place in June, “put a spanner in the works” and Venter said this meant those who want to challenge for overall series honours have to compete in the final two events.
“We could only race the nippers and sprogs,” he said. “The older groups will now have to take part in both of the last two races to qualify for series honours.”
Fewer rounds also meant that the competition would be closer and he felt that most of the categories would go down to the wire.
Venter said the “tricky” course could lead to exciting racing as the top contenders looked to gain an edge over their competition.
Brandon Williams and Jean-Marié Roelofse lead the U23 category with 200 and 400 points respectively while Luke Cocksedge and Rose Bailey top the standings in the senior category as they have 400 and 200 points each.
The final round of the series will take place on October 29.
