New format of KZNMTB for 2018

In a bold move, it has been decided that KZNMTB will split for 2018, separating KZNGRAVITY into a standalone commission that will report directly to CyclingKZN. In order to assist in this transition phase, KZNMTB have graciously offered financial support to the newly created commission for the upcoming 2018 season.

The new commission’s focus is to execute a successful 2018 KZN Enduro and Downhill Series, as well as aiding and assisting local venues with the hosting and implementation of Gravity events throughout the year.

The new KZNGRAVITY commission will be spearheaded by three avid KZN riders, bringing back the motto “Operated By Riders, For Riders!”

Chairman – Nigel Hicks

Nige has made an indelible impression on the South African Downhill scene, it’s hard not understand why when you find out he’s been racing Downhill at national and regional level since 1992 and was Masters World Champion (30 – 34) in 2013.

Since 2010 he has had a large hand in making the KZNMTB series a success. And a large spade. And a hoe. And a rake. And like one million kilometres of tape. And a depressing amount of leave days. Further to this Nige brings to the table the experience of organising, managing and building the 2011 to 2014 World Cup and World Championship Downhill Events held at Cascades Bike Park.

Logistics Manager – Kathryn Fourie

Kath is from Howick in KZN, and lives a hop and skip (or a fast uphill pedal) from some of the best trails in the country. Her interest in riding has resulted in her position as a project manager of the Sappi Mountain Biking Project, which she enjoys thoroughly.

Kath has been riding bikes since 2011-ish, and was fooled into doing DH at the beginning of 2012 and somehow continued doing it even after falling on her head numerous times. Kath has two (that’s right TWO) Downhill World Championship bronze medals to her name from 2013 and 2015.

Treasurer – Alistair Brand

Al has been involved in all forms of cycling from, Road to Track, XCO, Enduro and DH since about 2011. Having served on the commission in 2017 Alistair continues on in the role of Treasurer – making sure that your entry fees go to making each round GREAT.

Alistair’s focus is on growing the sport in the youth and sub-junior categories to bring in new talent to raise the future pinners of the sport.

2018 Series and Championship Rounds

The 2018 series will incorporate 3 rounds with a standalone KZN Championships Event to round out the season. The three Series rounds will take place at 4 venues around KZN. With a split back to the 2-day format, with Enduro held on the Saturday and Downhill on the Sunday.

ENDURO R1 – 3 March 2018 – Round 1 of the Enduro Series kicks off on the 3rd March 2018 hosted by Howick MTB Club as part of their Howick MTB Classic event. Howick MTB Club is one of the oldest clubs in the Country, and its trail network has been around for more than 25 years. The focus for Howick is always to present the best flow and gnar on natural singletracks in the SAPPI forestry plantations that encompass the Natal Midlands town.

DH R1 – 4 March 2018 – As has been the case for the past 4 years, the season opener for DH will take place on the 4th March 2018 the beginner-friendly St Ives track at St Ives Lodge and Boma in the picturesque Natal Midlands. The venue is great for spectating with 90% viewing coverage of the track whilst also taking in the game and stunning panoramas from the St Ives Venue.

ENDURO R2 – 28 April 2018 – Round 2 of the series sees the inclusion of the epic trails at Cascades Bike Park in PMB, built by Olympic XCO Track designer Nick Floros. Having a variety of steep and technical trails interspersed with flowy bike park lines this round will have something for everyone – including the CLIMBERS – be sure to be fit for this one as the trails take in the greatest elevation changes of the season.

DH R2 – 29 April 2018 – Cascades MTB Park DH needs no introduction. The site of the infamous 2013 World Championships where the internet was nearly broken by the advent of prototype wagon-wheel DH bikes which has set the scene for technological progression in the last 5 years. A multitude of options are available for use at the venue and the track will be decided closer to the time – but one thing is sure – it’s going to be FAST and STEEP!

ENDURO R3 – 16 June 2018 – Round 3 sees the welcome return of Karkloof MTB Club who will host the final stop of the series. One of the go-to riding destinations in SA, Karkloof are back on board and hungry to throw up some great trails following on from the Karkloof Classic event that will be held a month prior to the KZN round. This link between the 2 events will give new riders a chance to practice and get used to the style of trails before the KZN Series round.

DH R3 – 17 June 2018 – Karkloof DH track, the invention of none other than master trail builder Hylton Turvey will be utilised for the final stop of the KZN Series in 2018. This track has an amazing pedigree and will once again produce some amazing racing in the SAPPI forests around Karkloof.

ENDURO CHAMPS – 14 July 2018 – Giba Gorge once again plays host to what will surely be an exciting end to the years racing. With new trails continually being opened in the park, this event is one not to be missed as it will likely throw in many a curve, berm, ski-jump, bank and a drop or two, before a well-deserved beer and party at the fantastic Giba Trail Centre. A true MTB Festival Weekend awaits.

DH CHAMPS – 15 July 2018 – Giba Gorge has been a stalwart of KZN Gravity racing for almost a decade, and is therefore a worthy host for the KZN Champs round for 2018. As for the DH Track – discussions are underway with the potential for something new, and STEEP … keep listening for updates.

KZN GRAVITY as well as KZNMTB dates are shown below: