Events

Subaru Cape Town presents the Western Cape XCO Champs

· By Press Office · 34 comments

We will meet at Bloemendal Wine Estate on the 28th of May 2016 to see who will be the Western Cape XCO Champs.

Our Western Cape (WC) riders have showed guts, tenacity and determination during the four race WC series. The series took us from Rhebokskloof in Windmeul to Helderberg in Somerset West and finally to Picardie Guest Farm in Paarl. The series was tough and unrelenting and the riders had to deal with challenging tracks and weather.

ccs-62657-0-02813900-1463461575.jpg

The track at Bloemendal is evolving into a worthy challenge and riders will once again have to dig deep. The winners in each category will not only be crowned the WC Champ but also receive a WC Winners Jersey. All podium winners will also receive prize money and must be present at prize giving at 16h00.

Long course

ccs-62657-0-35614100-1463460078.jpg

Short course for Nippers and Sprogs

ccs-62657-0-43537700-1463460083.jpg

The programme gives details of all relevant information but please note that race times, lap distance and number of laps may change.

Programmeccs-62657-0-10917800-1463460606.jpg
Prize Moneyccs-62657-0-27661800-1463460600.jpg

Entries

Entries are open and pre-entries will close on 24 May 2016. Entry details here.
Early Entry Fees are as follows:

  • Nippers and Sprogs: R 200 + R 35 day license (for those without Cycling SA Memberships/Licences)
  • All Other Categories: R 300 + R35 day license (for those without Cycling SA Memberships/Licences)

Registration

Biosport at Bloemendal Wine Estate
Friday, 27 May: 13h00 to 17h30 (R50 Late Entry Fee)
Saturday, 28 May: 07h15 to 08h30 (No Late Entries; only registration)

Cycling SA Membership must be presented during registration. Junior and Elite riders must present Cycling SA Domestic Racing Licences.

Temporary licences are available at R 35.

Riders without Cycling SA Membership/Racing Licences will not qualify for Western Cape Colours.

NO LATE ENTRIES ON SATURDAY, 28 MAY 2016.
NO REGISTRATION AFTER 8h30 ON SATURDAY, 28 MAY 2016.

ccs-62657-0-92396700-1463474781.jpg

Official Practice

Friday, 27 May: 13h00 to 17h30
Saturday, 28 May: 07h30 to 08h30

All riders must register and display their bike boards at practice.

It is important and expected that entrants familiarise themselves with the course before racing. The first race will start at 09h00.

Riders found on the track after 08h30 on Saturday morning will be disqualified.

Volunteers required for Friday and Saturday

Please consider volunteering some of your time to help with registration or marshalling.

Registration: Contact Adelle at info@wpmtb.co.za
Marshalling: Contact Allan at allan@dcprinters.co.za

We would like thank all our sponsors, partners and service providers for partnering with the Western Province Mountain Bike Commission to host the WC Champs.

Comments

Jorrie

May 25, 2016, 6:40 PM

Always wanted to give XCO a try and see what its like. So I've entered my son (10jr) and myself for Saturdays Bloemendal race.

 

Need some advice...never even attended a XCO race so don't have a clu what to expect.

 

Any advice on the Bloemendal course, is it very technical, big jumps, rock gardens etc...

 

How does the feed/ tech zone work... Do you put your stuff somewhere where you can find it or is it like a normal water point in an XCM race?

 

Thanks

dev null

May 25, 2016, 7:57 PM

You need somebody at the feed/tech zone to hand you the bottle, and you are responsible for your own feed and drink, although I do think you can put your stuff somewhere in your bag in the feed zone and then just help yourself.  There are various rules you will need to comply with, else you might get DQed. Normally they operate under UCI rules, so check that out.

 

I have heard that the Bloemendal course is quite technical with gap jumps and drops, but there is usually an A and B line at the very technical stuff.

 

It is hectic I tell you.  Your heart rate will be through the roof after the first lap.

 

BTW, what is your age?  If it is what I think it is, you might be doing 6 laps.

Jorrie

May 25, 2016, 8:37 PM

You need somebody at the feed/tech zone to hand you the bottle, and you are responsible for your own feed and drink, although I do think you can put your stuff somewhere in your bag in the feed zone and then just help yourself.  There are various rules you will need to comply with, else you might get DQed. Normally they operate under UCI rules, so check that out.

 

I have heard that the Bloemendal course is quite technical with gap jumps and drops, but there is usually an A and B line at the very technical stuff.

 

It is hectic I tell you.  Your heart rate will be through the roof after the first lap.

 

BTW, what is your age?  If it is what I think it is, you might be doing 6 laps.

Thanks,will try and get hold of the rules.

I'm 37, sub vet, think its 5 laps

Dicky DQ

May 26, 2016, 5:02 AM

Nothing like XCO to get your heart racing and your skills up.

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 7:25 AM

Always wanted to give XCO a try and see what its like. So I've entered my son (10jr) and myself for Saturdays Bloemendal race.

 

Need some advice...never even attended a XCO race so don't have a clu what to expect.

 

Any advice on the Bloemendal course, is it very technical, big jumps, rock gardens etc...

 

How does the feed/ tech zone work... Do you put your stuff somewhere where you can find it or is it like a normal water point in an XCM race?

 

Thanks

 

Hi Jorrie

 

The Bloemendal course is great and will be a good introduction to XC racing. There is some tech stuff but really nothing to be worried about. There will be B lines around anything too difficult.

 

The feedzone tech zone area is marked out and you can only take food / drink from this area. When your son races you give him bottles and when you race he does the same for you. Otherwise find a bud to do it for you. As it is your first XC, you can also just carry your water like you would for an marathon race. The races are only an hour and a half long, so dont worry to much about drinking and feeding for this one.

 

The XCO races are great fun. Good intensity training and good tech training.

 

I will see you on the start line.I will be in Pure Savage kit on a Swift bike, say hi.

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

May 26, 2016, 7:53 AM

Hey Jorrie,

 

The Bloemendal race circuit is BRILLIANT. There are jumps, small drops and doubles (rollable gap jumps, effectively) interspersed with a couple of rock gardens and plenty berms. 

 

EVERYTHING has an A / B / C line, and it's all very new and very well built. There is only one "Big" jump, and you can't miss it. It's at the top end of the course, and it's out of a berm where you need to carry your speed and STILL pedal in order to carry enough speed for the jump. Gap is about a bike length, but it's still intimidating. There's a LEKKER little rock garden as the B line, which you can just hang back and blast through with not a worry in the world if you have enough speed.

 

The only 2 places I'd consider warning you about are:

 

1st drop section (raised) - the biggest one on the right has a raised rock just before the crest, that if you don't hit properly will try and buck you. They are ALL rollable though, so there's no issue if you want to ride it a few times just to get used to it.

 

2nd section - Right at the bottom there's a section of woops (doubles & jumps) that are in a walled hollow. It's not that section itself, rather the exit. The woops are about 8-10m wide a the widest section, but the exit narrows to 1.5-2m wide and is over a wooden structure. So you MUST hold the centre line going out of the woop section, otherwise you will not make the exit. 

 

Otherwise - all the other jumps are fun and doable. No angry wheel ending jumps unless you do something HORRIBLY wrong. I wouldn't rate it as technical as Coetzenburg, tbh. But I'm going to be there in the later sections of the day to watch all and sundry. 

 

Oh - if you're not sure of a section, don't worry. As I said - ALL technical sections have A/B/C lines. 

Nick

May 26, 2016, 8:17 AM

After supporting riders in the tech zone during the Cup Series this season, I've finally plucked up the courage and entered. I'll see you all there (assuming I survive practice).

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

May 26, 2016, 8:21 AM

After supporting riders in the tech zone during the Cup Series this season, I've finally plucked up the courage and entered. I'll see you all there (assuming I survive practice).

How many laps, Nick? How many are you planning on completing before getting pulled? I know I'd barely last 2 or 3. If that. 

Nick

May 26, 2016, 8:23 AM

How many laps, Nick? How many are you planning on completing before getting pulled? I know I'd barely last 2 or 3. If that. 

 

I think I'm down for 5 laps in sub vet. I'll consider it a success if I manage 4 laps.

Captain Fastbastard Mayhem

May 26, 2016, 8:39 AM

I think I'm down for 5 laps in sub vet. I'll consider it a success if I manage 4 laps.

i'll try and look for you and egg you on a bit... And yeah - Sub Vet. 

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 9:06 AM

How many laps, Nick? How many are you planning on completing before getting pulled? I know I'd barely last 2 or 3. If that. 

 

Guys remember that the WP series is not as serious as some make it out to be. In the last 3 years they have never applied the 80% rule and I have never seen someone pulled off the course, or received a penalty for a rule infringement for feeding etc.

 

Come out and have a good time, the riding is always lots of fun.

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 9:07 AM

Myles, can I ask you something, as you know those trails.

 

Is it normally a puncture fest there? I had quite a few on Saturday and Sunday. Was I just unlucky or is that normal there?

Nick

May 26, 2016, 9:13 AM

Guys remember that the WP series is not as serious as some make it out to be. In the last 3 years they have never applied the 80% rule and I have never seen someone pulled off the course, or received a penalty for a rule infringement for feeding etc.

 

Come out and have a good time, the riding is always lots of fun.

 

So I might have to do all 5 laps?  :o

Rapunzel

May 26, 2016, 9:15 AM

Myles, can I ask you something, as you know those trails.

 

Is it normally a puncture fest there? I had quite a few on Saturday and Sunday. Was I just unlucky or is that normal there?

There's a short spurt through vineyards and thorns are plenty and the rock gardens will probably claim a tyre or two. I'd suggest ensuring your sealant is topped up and don't take your tyre pressure too low ottherwise you may damage a rim.

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 9:31 AM

There's a short spurt through vineyards and thorns are plenty and the rock gardens will probably claim a tyre or two. I'd suggest ensuring your sealant is topped up and don't take your tyre pressure too low ottherwise you may damage a rim.

 

Thanks. I definitely fell victim to the rocks on Saturday, they seem very sharp. I will be topping up the sealant for sure!

Nick

May 26, 2016, 9:33 AM

So who will be testing out the course on Friday afternoon? Might be nice to compare notes.

Thermophage

May 26, 2016, 9:36 AM

Myles, can I ask you something, as you know those trails.

 

Is it normally a puncture fest there? I had quite a few on Saturday and Sunday. Was I just unlucky or is that normal there?

Tonnes of devil thornes, but since I make sure I have tyre sealant I have no issues :) The rocks tend not to be sharp, that Malmsbury group stuff tends to break up easily and get rounded.. You may just have been unlucky the past weekend. Enjoy and don't be weary of Lombards, its chilled...And honestly, if I was racing some the the B lines are much faster IMHO anyway than the jumps ;)

Fisan

May 26, 2016, 9:41 AM

Are there any people taking part for fun?

 

I've done an XCO once, only to be dropped hard in the first lap. I could use a cold coming up as an excuse....but these guys were just next level. 

dev null

May 26, 2016, 9:57 AM

I will be there tomorrow afternoon for registration while my son get to k now the course, and then Saturday morning at 9 when my son races.

Jorrie

May 26, 2016, 11:14 AM

Hey Jorrie,

 

The Bloemendal race circuit is BRILLIANT. There are jumps, small drops and doubles (rollable gap jumps, effectively) interspersed with a couple of rock gardens and plenty berms. 

 

EVERYTHING has an A / B / C line, and it's all very new and very well built. There is only one "Big" jump, and you can't miss it. It's at the top end of the course, and it's out of a berm where you need to carry your speed and STILL pedal in order to carry enough speed for the jump. Gap is about a bike length, but it's still intimidating. There's a LEKKER little rock garden as the B line, which you can just hang back and blast through with not a worry in the world if you have enough speed.

 

The only 2 places I'd consider warning you about are:

 

1st drop section (raised) - the biggest one on the right has a raised rock just before the crest, that if you don't hit properly will try and buck you. They are ALL rollable though, so there's no issue if you want to ride it a few times just to get used to it.

 

2nd section - Right at the bottom there's a section of woops (doubles & jumps) that are in a walled hollow. It's not that section itself, rather the exit. The woops are about 8-10m wide a the widest section, but the exit narrows to 1.5-2m wide and is over a wooden structure. So you MUST hold the centre line going out of the woop section, otherwise you will not make the exit. 

 

Otherwise - all the other jumps are fun and doable. No angry wheel ending jumps unless you do something HORRIBLY wrong. I wouldn't rate it as technical as Coetzenburg, tbh. But I'm going to be there in the later sections of the day to watch all and sundry. 

 

Oh - if you're not sure of a section, don't worry. As I said - ALL technical sections have A/B/C lines.

 

Thanks for all the great advice, really looking forward!

One last question, is the different lanes marked where you enter them or do you need to know exactly before you ride where to take what lane. Obviously it is advised that you know the course pretty well before you have a go, but we're only going through on Saturday from Tulbagh. I'll propably spend most of the training time to make sure my son knows what lanes to take and make sure he's comfy before worrying about myself.

 

I'll be in Star South kit on a Scott Scale Pro with a worried face :) say hi!

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 11:16 AM

So who will be testing out the course on Friday afternoon? Might be nice to compare notes.

 

I will be going tomorrow afternoon. Leaving Westlake at 12pm.

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 11:16 AM

Thanks for all the great advice, really looking forward!

One last question, is the different lanes marked where you enter them or do you need to know exactly before you ride where to take what lane. Obviously it is advised that you know the course pretty well before you have a go, but we're only going through on Saturday from Tulbagh. I'll propably spend most of the training time to make sure my son knows what lanes to take and make sure he's comfy before worrying about myself.

 

I'll be in Star South kit on a Scott Scale Pro with a worried face :) say hi!

 

The lanes are marked and they do indicate which is the B line.

 

Edit: spelling

Donovan Le Cok

May 26, 2016, 11:28 AM

Tonnes of devil thornes, but since I make sure I have tyre sealant I have no issues :) The rocks tend not to be sharp, that Malmsbury group stuff tends to break up easily and get rounded.. You may just have been unlucky the past weekend. Enjoy and don't be weary of Lombards, its chilled...And honestly, if I was racing some the the B lines are much faster IMHO anyway than the jumps ;)

 

Thanks for that. Lombards is great, I hit it a few times on Saturday and Sunday. I agree some of the B lines are faster, but for XCO they will tape them in such a way that there is a bit of a time penalty for taking that line. Everything is very doable and I was clearing all the jumps on my second or third run.

Donovan Le Cok

May 27, 2016, 7:18 PM

 

A bit of a course preview, well the fun parts anyway. If you are not riding, come and spectate. There will be loads of good racing all day.

Add a comment

You must log in to comment