The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands opens its heart to all the riders taking part in the first rounds of the 2016 KZNMTB Provincial Enduro and Downhill Series – presented by Greg Minnaar Cycles at St. Ives on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February.
Friends and family can spectate and support extraordinary racing for two days, as the Downhill daredevils and Enduro enthusiasts take to the hills over the action-packed guaranteed weekend. The spectator-friendly venue allows for great race viewing and track criss-crossing.
The first round of the 2016 KZNMTB Provincial Enduro and DHI Series – presented by Greg Minnaar Cycles, takes place at St. Ives MTB Park on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 February respectively. Photo credit: Gavin Ryan/Quick Pix.
The Enduro event takes place on Saturday 20 February. The relatively new but ever-growing discipline combines elements of weekend cross-country mountain bike rides among friends, with the sheer competitiveness of speedy timed downhill racing.
The route has a total distance of close to 20 kilometres and a race distance of approximately eight kilometres. There are four special stages. The total in-stage descent is close to 700 metres and the in-stage ascent, 30 metres. On race day, the event base will be situated at the main Boma area next to the St. Ives Restaurant with pit area and parking on the grass behind the venue. All documentation will take place here.
Helmets are required at all times on the course. Normal cross-country open-faced helmets are acceptable and knee and elbow pads are recommended.
The Downhill event takes place on Sunday 21 February. Course designer, Nigel Hicks said: “It’s going to be hot this weekend. But I just want to say a huge thank you to St. Ives Hotel and Restaurant for hosting event, and a very big thank you to our title sponsors, Greg Minnaar Cycles.”
The flowing 1.1 kilometre course has great jumps, rather favourable five-minute shuttle route and three-minute cycle to the top. The total descent is close to 150 metres, and the course is said to be great for newcomers and old timers of the sport.
A full-face helmet with a peak is compulsory. Long sleeve shirts or short sleeves and elbow guards, and long pants or short pants and knee guards are the options for protective Downhill gear. Back and neck protection is also recommended.
Entries for the first round of the 2016 KZNMTB Provincial Enduro and DHI Series – presented by Greg Minnaar Cycles are still open and close at midnight tonight (Wednesday 17 February 2016). (http://www.roag.co.za/eventinfo.aspx?EventID=1727).
Please Note – there will be no Late Entry for Downhill riders on Sunday as seeding and timing need to be finalised by Saturday night. Riders must either pre-enter online or late enter on Saturday at St. Ives.
For more information, contact Rebecca van der Linde info@kznmtb.co.za.
