The 2016 South African Cross-country mountain bike champs took place at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 16 July 2016. In the elite categories it was Mariske Strauss and James Reid who came out tops to be crowned XCO champs.
Our Bike Hub team was in attendance to cheer furiously, eat pancakes and kick out some cool course previews along with ongoing event coverage over the weekend. Here are a few shots from the Cross-country event.
Start / Finish line for the 2016 SA XCO Championship
Cherie Redecker is followed down the rock garden by Mariske Strauss during Friday’s practice while filming our course preview
A lot of time was spent selecting and practising lines as the rock gardens proved challenging for most
Kylie Hanekom weighing up her options
Jessi Nixon waits for a gap to practise her line
Looking down on the race village and a part of the course
The world-class course was not short of challenging features
Riders warming up before the race
With no rain falling leading up to the event it was very dusty
Pre-race checks
A rider takes a jump in the A-Line
The course was marked well with clear signs pointing out A and B-lines
Azulde Britz from Team Bestmed-ASG rocking socks to match her Lapierre
One of the marshals on course waving a friendly hello
Junior Ladies waiting for the start
Elite Mens moments before setting off
Arno du Toit, Gert Heyns and Phil Buys from team Scott LCB Factory Racing on the start line.
James Reid looks calm and focused
Cherie Redecker giving the thumbs-up to the camera of Andrew McFadden
Sipho Madolo of songo.info awaits the start
Mobii timing chips in use for the champs
Live streaming was provided by Stream IT 360
A rider lies hidden in the rock garden after falling down. 
Team Grannygear rider shows how it’s done
No effort spared to get the right angle
Spectators enjoying the action
Mariske Strauss takes in the moment after crossing the finish line in first place to become the 2016 SA XCO Champ
James Reid celebrating his victory with his team 
Phil Buys crossing the finish line in second place after leading the race for all but half of the final lap.
The top 3 Elite Men on the podium with Mike Bradley
A full bucket of timing chips after a successful day of racing.
