KZN Mountain Bike Commission

Defining MTB Events

Cup (XCO), Downhill and 4X racing

The only Olympic version of the sport, cup racing comprises of a technically challenging track of about 6/7km in distance.Categories start from Nippers (8 years and older), right through to Masters (50+). Every category races a set number of laps. The number of laps is determined by the optimal time per category. Generally, the optimal racing time is 1h45 to 2hr15.

Downhill racing is the extreme side of MTB. Riders start at the top of a predetermined course, and the rider who clocks the quickest time to the finish is the winner. The courses are technical with jumps, drops, rock gardens and berms and are between 2 and 3.5km’s in length. Riders start at 1 minute intervals and race in their age categories, but can also be compared to others in the overall results

4X or mountain cross is an elimination race, whereby riders start in groups of 4 down a specific technical course, the top 2 proceed through to the next round, until the last 4 riders are left. There are no age categories in 4X.
Downhill and Cup racing is very spectator friendly, and the whole family is part of the event with the different age categories competing at different starting times. It is the most prestigious of all the series. Based on results of the 5 Cup races, a rider can earn provincial colours and can then be selected to represent KZN at the National Cross Country series (5 National events throughout South Africa). Based on National results, a rider can get selected for the South African National Cross Country team (Junior (17-18), Elite/U23 and masters), to race in the African Continental Championships and the World Cross Country Championships. In order to be regarded for selection, a rider needs a full racing license.
This is also the format of the World Cup that will be staged in Pietermaritzburg from the 10-13 April 2009.

Classic racing

Classic racing is for the social adventurer. Although participants enter in their own age category, there is a mass start and riders get to compete across age categories too. A classic is an endurance event of between 30 and 65 kilometres. Most classics also have an intermediate ride for the not so fit of around 25km’s, and kiddies rides around 10km’s.

In KZN the 16 best classics are selected each year for a points series, to give the more competitive riders something to race for. This has proved very popular. One needs the minimum of a cyclosport license to be part of the points series. The category winners get recognition at the end of the year for classic series winners at the KZNMBC annual prize giving.

A Sub Junior Series was introduced to cater for the younger riders to take part in events to enable younger riders to be involved in longer distance events. These youngster thrive on recognition so the series was introduced to encourage riders younger than 15 to take part in events that were not too long. The series is only open to licensed riders and is run in conjunction with the super classic series within the intermediate race.

Marathon racing

This series is for the endurance athlete seeking that extra challenge. Distances vary between 70 and 85km. The serious sports man or woman can get selected for the National Marathon team, to represent South Africa at the World Marathon Championships. KZN has 5 marathon events of outstanding quality.

Stage/Multi day racing

SA is host to some of the most incredible stage/multiday events in the world and this type of event is becoming more and more popular. Subaru Sani2C is on our doorstep. Multi day racing comprises of long distance multiple day rides – these events cater for riders older than 18 years, and require high levels of endurance and fitness.