[Event] MTN National XCM #5 Mabalingwe Driven By NISSAN

[Tim_Fair]

Event Name: MTN National XCM #5 Mabalingwe Driven By NISSAN
When: 12 May 2012
Where: Mabalingwe Reserve, Outside Bela Bela, Limpopo
Category: MTB

Date: 12 May 2012

Venue: Mabalingwe Reserve, Outside Bela Bela, Limpopo

Terrain: Grasslands | Bushveld | Rocky Terrain

Elevation: 341m | Ascent: 1200m

Participants: 2200 | Distances: 20km / 40km / 75km / 115km

Features: Single tracks | Dual Tracks | Wildlife

 

Registration: Fri 11/05 14:00-19:00 & Sat 12/05 05h30 - 07h30

Entries: ONLINE ENTRIES OPEN ! - CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Saturday:

05h30-07h30: Registration & Line Entries

11/05 07h45: Riders Briefing / Leaders Jersey Handover

11/05 08h00: Start MTN ULTRA UCI PRO/Elite 115km Race

11/05 08h05: Start MTN Marathon 75km Ladies

11/05 08h15: Start MTN Marathon 75km "A" Batch +5min intervals

11/05 09h05: Start NISSAN 1/2 Marathon 40km "A" Batch +5min intervals

11/05 09h45: Start 20km Fun Race

11/05 10h45: Winner of 20km Fun Race Expected

11/05 11h15: Winner Nissan 40km Expected

11/05 11h30: Winner of MTN Marathon 75km Expected

11/05 12h00: Winner of MTN Ultra 115km expected

11/05 13h00: Prize Giving

 

Only an hour and a half from Pretoria is the new race in the MTN National MTB Series, Mabalingwe. The race has a great history, with a mere 154 cyclists in 2001, has grown to one of the most prominent and popular Mountain Bike Races in South Africa.

Spread over more than 12 500 ha and malaria free, unspoilt bushveld, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve nestles in the shadow of the majestic Waterberg Mountains.

 

The Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB race has become a "must-do-event" for all seasoned cyclists but also for families and newcomers to the sport. 2011 saw the 11th consecutive race take place with no less than 2060 cyclists. Because the race has grown so significantly only a limited amount of cyclists can enter. This ensures your safety and more enjoyment for everyone....

 

Cyclists can look forward to an easier 40 km route or the more challenging 75 km route.

 

The 40 km route is mostly fast riding with the occasional climb, loose rock and thick sand patches. The 75 km route is more challenging and takes you over the treacherous and technical climb of Vodacom Hill. Cyclists also get the opportunity to ride past the Lion hide and in the past some have been lucky enough to spot the Mabalingwe lions!

On route, you can expect well stocked water points with a festive atmosphere. These sponsors are not only there to restock your water supply but also to lift your spirits and encourage you to keep on going.

 

At the Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB Race you can be sure of our best service, attention to detail, and a unique experience, both on and off your bike!

 

This race will surely go from strength to strength and we look forward to sharing this awesome day with you and your family in years to come! Cyclist or spectator .... make sure that you and your family diarize the dates for the Mabalingwe Lion Man MTB Race well in advance!

 

Entries:

Early Bird Fees - Close 31st January 2012!!

 

Ultra Marathon R210

Marathon R190

Half Marathon R140

Fun Ride R70

 

Normal Entry Fees

 

Ultra Marathon R250

Marathon R220

Half Marathon R170

Fun Ride R80

Closing date for online entries is 07/05/2011 Midnight (or as soon as 2100 participants have been reached)

 

Registration:

 

Cyclelab - Tuesday 08/05 09:00 - 17:00

Cyclelab - Wednesday 09/05 09:00 - 17:00

Mabalingwe - Friday 11/05 14h00 - 19h00

Mabalingwe - Saturday 12/05 05:30 - 07:30

 

Route Descriptions:

 

TBA - Maps to be uploaded first week of February.

 

Specifics:

 

All marshals will be cleared from the course after 16h00 and all direction markers removed. The cut off at the finish line for the 115km route is 15h45.

 

Prize Money*:

 

Prize money & Points will be calculated for the UCI PRO/Elite Men in this distance only.

PRO/Elite ladies will earn points & prize money in the usual 75km marathon distance only.

All other categories will only be eligible for points and prize money in the usual distance.

 

Approximate riding times:

 

115km: 5h00min – 8 hours

75km: 3 – 6 hours

40km: 2 – 4 hours

Cut-off Waterpoint (TBA)

115km has a cut-off at the finish of 9hours.

 

Directions from Pretoria

 

Shuttle / Transport:

 

There are no official shuttle services on offer, public transport is available from JHB International airport, and this is the quickest way of getting to the venue. Mabalingwe is situated about 2.5 hours drive from JHB International.

 

Accommodation:

 

Accommodation information on all available accommodation can be obtained from Tourist Information Web Site or from Tourist Reservations.

Accommodation available @ Mabalingwe – 014 736 9000 / info@mabalingwe.co.za

 

Important Pointers

 

As this event is held in the autumn, the cyclist may experience hot or rainy to cool weather and should be prepared to cope with these conditions.

First Aid Services will be provided to the cyclists on the routes and at the finish.

The organisers may, at their discretion, shorten, lengthen or change the course if the weather, or safety of the cyclist, deem this necessary.

Bike wash facilities will be available at the finish area

 

Bike Wash Bay:

 

Take advantage of the great service from Powasol, the official Bike Wash partner to the MTN National MTB Series.

 

Wash only R20

Wash, Polish and Lube R40

Pre book your Bike wash at http://www.powasol.co.za/ and save R10.

 

Location of Amenities

 

Teams / Riders / Public Parking Location

Teams have access to the Event Venue, and setup in the teams designated area next to the finish area. Riders will park just adjacent to the race venue next to the venue, and the public at the designated public parking zones, outside the riders parking zone, just off the start finish venue.

 

Nearest Hospital and Medical Information

 

A wide range of professional medical services are available, including:

Ambulance +27 10177

Hospital +27 (0)23 312 1117

Police +27 (0)

Fire Department +27 (0)

Go to Event Page

[Cyclenatic]

<p>are there a route profile for the 40km?</p>

[Cyclenatic]

<p>are there a route profile for the 40km?</p>

[Tim_Fair]

MTN National MTB Series #5 Mabalingwe driven by NISSAN - Ultra Marathon

 

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/555749_10150661916342584_82494432583_9292409_1322691885_n.jpg

[Tim_Fair]

MTN National MTB Series #5 Mabalingwe driven by NISSAN - Marathon

 

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/541074_10150661916217584_82494432583_9292406_2109992568_n.jpg

[Tim_Fair]

MTN National MTB Series #5 Mabalingwe driven by NISSAN - Half-Marathon

 

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/564245_10150661916157584_82494432583_9292404_2034456588_n.jpg

[Tim_Fair]

MTN National MTB Series #5 Mabalingwe driven by NISSAN - 20km Fun Race

 

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/538785_10150661916017584_82494432583_9292402_932920614_n.jpg

[dino]

This was a beast of a race last year, wonder if it's the same route. There was one ascent that went on for days!

[Tim_Fair]

This was a beast of a race last year, wonder if it's the same route. There was one ascent that went on for days!

This was a beast of a race last year, wonder if it's the same route. There was one ascent that went on for days!

Hi Dino,

The route is similar in places but there are many new sections that make the route a completely different experience.

I am sure that you will thoroughly enjoy it...even the climbs!

[Grondpad]

Hey Tim. What is the cut-off time for the Ultra and after how many km's?

[kosmonooit]

Interesting version of that concrete road 4x4 route there Tim, in that we get to do it twice! Hope I wont be meeting the racing snakes coming back head-on by the time I get there.

[Tim_Fair]

Hey Tim. What is the cut-off time for the Ultra and after how many km's?

Hey Tim. What is the cut-off time for the Ultra and after how many km's?

Cut off:

 

88km on Ultra route - 6h

Finish - 9h

[Druffster]

I have entered the 75km marathon however I might just cancel and do the 40km half marathon because Ieave for Sani2c two days after on Monday and start the Sani on Tuesday so if it is a hectic marathon like Dino says it won't be wise!

[Tim_Fair]

Hey guys,

 

I have been in Mabalingwe for the past 2 days checking the routes and getting the clearing crew started.

 

The routes this year are very different from past years, but I believe that you will all agree that they are much more enjoyable.

 

Here are a few tips:

• Go tubeless or go home! Lots of thorns!!!
  
• There are a few sandy patches but they are few and far between, so try to keep your momentum and power through them.
  
• Ultra and Marathon are relatively tough, so ensure that you stop and hydrate at all water points.
  
• There are a few loose rocky sections (Ultra & Marathon) so if you need to push, please keep left.
  
• Beware of animals crossing the track.
  
• Have FUN!!!
  

[Tim_Fair]

Entries are now completely full, so if you are still looking for an entry I recommend that you keep an eye on the Hub.

 

If you would like to transfer your entry to somebody else, you can do so at registration at the event.

[bora]

Anyone i need an entry for the two day one please?

Let me know if you cant do it!

Cheers

072 5652527