[Event] 2013 SA NATIONAL MTB XCO CHAMPIONSHIPS

[JackOfSpades]

Event Name: 2013 SA NATIONAL MTB XCO CHAMPIONSHIPS
When: 20 July 2013
Where: Hayterdale Trails, Zuurberg, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Category: MTB

XCO COURSE DESCRIPTION (4,2km with 130m of climbing per lap)

 

 

The XCO course is very exciting for riders and spectators alike. The first half of the lap has two steep, technical climbs. After the first climb riders negotiate a steep downhill and Rob’s Drop-off. This is immediately followed by a 200m jeeptrack climbing section, which will allow for overtaking and then another steep singletrack, switchback climb.

 

 

The second half of the course is generally downhill, starting with a fast section known as Berm Lane. It’s a series of sharp bermed corners and dips as riders criss-cross a small gorge. Berm Lane ends with a very intimidating Rock Garden, which many riders opt not to ride and rather take the easier, slower chicken run. After another short jeeptrack climb, which again allows for overtaking, riders enter another gorge via a steep drop-off to the right. It’s a case of letting go of the brakes and trying hard to keep your line as you negotiate the tight turns and drops through the gorge.

 

 

The gorge is interrupted by a short climb, which again provides a much needed passing opportunity. Over 2 wooden bridges and then you are back into a high-speed downhill for the last part of the gorge. A sharp right hand bermed corner spits you up onto the same open field, which is skirted by the Start loop.

 

 

Riders will see each other here as they pass in opposite directions – about 1km apart on their lap. The most exciting feature waits as you get yourself lined up to negotiate the Rabbit Hole, which is situated right alongside the Start/Finish area and Feed Zone. Back into singletrack for the last 500m of the course which is jam packed with features – Trevors Surprise, Richard’s Steps and the Tree Drop before entering the final 200m open stretch to the finish line.

 

 

NEW FEATURES FOR 2013

 

 

The course has been shortened from 5,5km to 4,2km. The piece that was cut out is a long straight jeeptrack climb and a downhill through the top section of the Gorge. Other changes include a new switchback climb with breaks up the long gravel road climb in the first half of the course and a brand new feature, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the course – the Rabbit Hole.

 

 

The Rabbit Hole is an over and under crossing which sees riders negotiating a bumpy bridge made up of large logs, or jumping over the bridge for the faster line (the gap is 2m). The bridge is followed immediately by a tight 270-degree right hand berm, which shoots riders back under the bridge they have just crossed and into the final singletrack section of the course where most of the features are located. These features are within 200m walking distance of the Start/Finish area and will be the ideal place for spectators to watch.

 

 

SUNDAY MORNING ACTIVITIES

 

 

There will be a “sideshow” race on Sunday morning, before the Downhill. It is a 26km “mini marathon” race incorporating some amazing singletrack. The early 07:30 start allows riders to finish their race and still catch the main day’s action – the downhill racing.

 

 

 

ROUTE MAP/PROFILE:

 

 

The XCO and DHI courses will remain the same as the 2012 Cup races, but with a few tweaks and new features added for the 2013 SA Champs.

 

 

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SA Champs - XCO Profile

 

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SA Champs - XCO Profile for Nippers

 

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