DH/XC World Cup in Cape Town, Why not?

[Guest dirkieuys]

Hi hubbers.
Is there any reason why CT couldn't host a xc/dh world cup event?
We have it all. Tokai / Stellenbosch or Jonkers are all great venues. Has it to do with funding? How did PMB do it?

[thiart]

If I am not mistaken Stellenbosch is hosting a XCO leg next year.

[thiart]

https://www.cyclingsa.com/mountain-bike-press/2017/1/27/uci-mountain-bike-world-cup-presented-by-shimano-comes-to-the-western-cape-in-2018

[Danger Dassie]

Western cape has hosted a couple of World Cup DH events, last one was in 1998 in Stellenbosch.
All of the rowdy... Johnny T, Myles Rockwell, Anne Caroline, Missy Giove, Rob Warner etc etc 

Have a blurry memory of trying to pick up a Francais downhill woman at Greensleeves. Oh what could have been .... 

[Headshot]

I am sure this has been discussed on another thread, but perhaps an update is necessary. Stellies is the ideal venue - lekker town right there and the potential to have a super DH track. The old one ran down Botma's Kop I think. I also went and watched one of the races there. 

 

Imagine a track running down JH from the look out point to somewhere near the dam.  It could be steep and gnarly just like a euro track, only a tad shorter. The issue we have here as always, is getting bikes and riders up to the start. There is reasonable jeep track access to that point but it's pretty steep in places...

 

Thoughts?

[Velouria]

Western cape has hosted a couple of World Cup DH events, last one was in 1998 in Stellenbosch.

All of the rowdy... Johnny T, Myles Rockwell, Anne Caroline, Missy Giove, Rob Warner etc etc 

 

Have a blurry memory of trying to pick up a Francais downhill woman at Greensleeves. Oh what could have been .... 

I have similar blurry memories of partying with Missy at Garage (and being a little scared...)

[Duane_Bosch]

Thoughts?

I'd prefer to see an EWS and XC World Cup double header in Stellies TBH. I know it won't happen.

 

IMO SA really doesn't have the terrain to host a proper World Cup DH. Our mountains tend to be steep & rocky at the top and then flatten out at the bottom so you'd end up with just a massive jump line going straight down the not so steep hill at the finish.

[Jewbacca]

An EWS makes way more sense... But even then our trails aren't terribly technical. 

 

My next question is a bit more barbed...

 

Why do we need to host events? What drives people to want to see an event hosted in their region? Seeing famous riders? If you weigh up the costs of hosting vs how much revenue it would bring in does it make money?

 

I really am asking as I am interested to know what incentive the majority of folk have for wanting an event in their area. 

 

Having been a part of organising Olympics/RWC/SWC/CWC/Commonwealth games and many many more global events in the past, I have a very warped view on how despicable most world governing bodies are and feel we are far better off not having that scum mingle with our already corrupt governance.

[CAAD4]

An EWS makes way more sense... But even then our trails aren't terribly technical. 

 

My next question is a bit more barbed...

 

Why do we need to host events? What drives people to want to see an event hosted in their region? Seeing famous riders? If you weigh up the costs of hosting vs how much revenue it would bring in does it make money?

 

I really am asking as I am interested to know what incentive the majority of folk have for wanting an event in their area. 

 

Having been a part of organising Olympics/RWC/SWC/CWC/Commonwealth games and many many more global events in the past, I have a very warped view on how despicable most world governing bodies are and feel we are far better off not having that scum mingle with our already corrupt governance.

 

Interesting inside view. Whilst I agree that bullying tactics of having to drink only American beer during the Word Cup soccer was bad, I see it as a good day out with my mates, watching the pro's attack those suicidal rock gardens (from my perspective) and then of course there is Mrs Morka Batty..... and maybe see my kids at Varsity there.

 

In Stellenbosh seemingly the bike theft capital of SA we will make sure to keep our bikes in Jhb and come and have a lekker weekend away from home.

[Headshot]

An EWS makes way more sense... But even then our trails aren't terribly technical. 

 

My next question is a bit more barbed...

 

Why do we need to host events? What drives people to want to see an event hosted in their region? Seeing famous riders? If you weigh up the costs of hosting vs how much revenue it would bring in does it make money?

 

I really am asking as I am interested to know what incentive the majority of folk have for wanting an event in their area. 

 

Having been a part of organising Olympics/RWC/SWC/CWC/Commonwealth games and many many more global events in the past, I have a very warped view on how despicable most world governing bodies are and feel we are far better off not having that scum mingle with our already corrupt governance.

I also wonder. I think we like to blow our own country's horn and also there is the star appeal of seeing the top riders in the flesh. Its a bit like going to see the band you've always listened to on the radio. I think it would also help develop the sport here. I bet the XCO has already increased the stoke and participation in that branch of the sport. 

 

I think Duane is right though, the venue is a big issue issue. The mountains big enough do exist but they are miles away from a decent town...

[NelAndre]

Interesting info Jewbacca. I have no knowledge of organising events like these and I was quite shocked when I heard what kind of cash the IRB needs from us to stage RWC 2023........I am sure palm greasing is an understatement.

 

I simply want the UCI to stage XCO and DHI World Cups in SA so I can go and watch:

 

Batty, PomPom, Miss Frizz, Mr Min and N1N0.

[Jewbacca]

I would like to see Jolande Neff in person... maybe one of her car endorsement photo shoots or when she poses in full lycra in a tree or something. Her instagram account is probably funnier than Seinfeld..

 

I just think people should focus on what we do have. We have rad trail centres and we get to ride them all the time. We are a country filled with adventure opportunity on our doorstep. Having 60 pro's come here doesn't change that for those of us who live here... 

 

I get the band scenario, but at the same time feel that if a country isn't equipped for the event, going out and spending billions to become equipped is money far better spent elsewhere.

 

Especially in this country. Instead of waiting for the government to do something, the private sector really should stand up and start making a difference.

 

Sports events are indulgent gluttony...  

[Hairy]

Western cape has hosted a couple of World Cup DH events, last one was in 1998 in Stellenbosch.

All of the rowdy... Johnny T, Myles Rockwell, Anne Caroline, Missy Giove, Rob Warner etc etc 

 

Have a blurry memory of trying to pick up a Francais downhill woman at Greensleeves. Oh what could have been .... 

I got the most awesome photo at this race, it was one of the final corners and I managed to get in low with a rider leaning over me around the turn ... was awesome...sadly that pic along with others was lost when some wonderful persons broke in and stole goodies from a place we had goodies in storage.

 

Was a very young Mr Min not on a Maroon framed bike on the day ... I am still pretty certain he was, and I took a pic of him with the bike, but again, no pic to ref back to.

[Guest dirkieuys]

I would like to see Jolande Neff in person... maybe one of her car endorsement photo shoots or when she poses in full lycra in a tree or something. Her instagram account is probably funnier than Seinfeld..

 

I just think people should focus on what we do have. We have rad trail centres and we get to ride them all the time. We are a country filled with adventure opportunity on our doorstep. Having 60 pro's come here doesn't change that for those of us who live here... 

 

I get the band scenario, but at the same time feel that if a country isn't equipped for the event, going out and spending billions to become equipped is money far better spent elsewhere.

 

Especially in this country. Instead of waiting for the government to do something, the private sector really should stand up and start making a difference.

 

Sports events are indulgent gluttony...  

Jewbacca

Thanks for your comments.

Probably selfish i know but its as simple as that I would love to be able to see the Pro's race and I believe it will help the fading sport of Downhill to grow.

 

Our guys also never get the recognition that they deserve. None of the guys in my office know who Greg Minnaar is and why I get all hyped up before a World Cup weekend. In my opinion, it is the greatest sport and I wish the rest of SA could experience it.

[Headshot]

Jewbacca

Thanks for your comments.

Probably selfish i know but its as simple as that I would love to be able to see the Pro's race and I believe it will help the fading sport of Downhill to grow.

 

Our guys also never get the recognition that they deserve. None of the guys in my office know who Greg Minnaar is and why I get all hyped up before a World Cup weekend. In my opinion, it is the greatest sport and I wish the rest of SA could experience it.

I agree, but I doubt that another WC DHI held here will change that much. There is a reason so many people follow team sports  - they played it at school and its easy to watch and follow. 

 

Most people don't ride MTB and even those that do don't do dh/enduro or trail riding in SA or want to spend the time getting to know how the sport works and how difficult it is to stitch together a winning DH run. 

[Jewbacca]

SA or the Western Cape?

 

Lest we not forget that Maritzburg has hosted numerous UCI DH races and it hasn't really 'grown the sport'...

 

Anyway, DH is inaccessible and reliant on courses, course maintenance and lots of money.... If I could wish any one type of bicycle racing on SA it would be Cyclo Cross... It is super competitive, really spectator friendly, good for sponsor recognition, can be hosted in city parks, at school grounds and lots of other easily accessible venues.. It is a blast to race, a hoot to watch and will open doors for people to really enjoy a race without having to trek to far off destinations and the family can watch dad/son/boetie/sister/wife etc ride past 6 times and cheer.

 

CX bikes are cheaper to maintain that DH rigs and can be used to train on the road too with a quick wheel/tire swap.

 

Having raced pretty much every sort of racing bikes have to offer, CX is by far and away the most fun while also being fiercely competitive.

 

I would way prefer to see a CX series sprout up nationwide than another DH track that 16 people get to ride and falls into disrepair through it's 1st winter..... IMHO