Are Provincial XCO Courses Aligned with CSA Standards?

[FullGasXC]

Hey everyone,

After racing a few XCO events on the provincial circuit lately, I’ve started to wonder if all of them are actually being organized in accordance with Cycling South Africa (CSA) regulations. Some of the courses felt a bit off - either in terms of layout, safety measures, or technical features that didn’t seem to align with what I’d expect from CSA-sanctioned events.

Has anyone else felt this way? I know there are official guidelines these provincial races are supposed to follow, but are they being enforced consistently? Are these course checked and signed of by a CSA commissaire? I’m all for a good challenge, but the brand new track left me more puzzled than stoked.

Would love to hear your thoughts or insights - especially if anyone's been involved in organizing or officiating.

Ride on,
FullGasXC

[DieselnDust]

No, I've never felt an XCO course was not up to standard. Maybe you need to be more specific in your query? 

Which course were you concerned about?

[FullGasXC]

None, of the previous courses are of concern.  

I'm concerned about this weekends track because it was completed less than a week ago. The track is located at a high school in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.

I've attached an image of the track on the first post that is of concern.

Edited May 6 by FullGasXC

[DieselnDust]

There’s nothing unusual there. XCO course have numerous technical features now. Most of those are constructed a week before an event and then dismantled. Most of our courses in the Western Cape have some of these features as permanent structures 

[Kuys]

I know here in Gauteng the courses are signed off by CSA commissaire, but saying that Im not always sure the necessary safety measures are in place. How many padding off course is enough/sufficient? Hell even last year at Crans Montana XC World Cup there was virtually no padding the hectic rock  drop. One of the rides crashed during race and broke his jaw. The world cup DH riders has also complained about tree stumps etc off course.

The wooden bridge in the picture above should be covered with some non-slip wire or paint, otherwise it will be treacherous when wet or muddy. Best would be to take specific concerns up with the race organisers. 

 

[Spinnekop]

13 hours ago, DieselnDust said:

There’s nothing unusual there. XCO course have numerous technical features now. Most of those are constructed a week before an event and then dismantled. Most of our courses in the Western Cape have some of these features as permanent structures 

Maybe just read the rules he posted and highlighted vs the picture.
Having done that, that section posted does not comply to the set out rules.  

Will anything be done about it?  No
Will CSA or the organiser care?  No
 

Edited May 7 by Spinnekop

[FullGasXC]

1 hour ago, Spinnekop said:

Maybe just read the rules he posted and highlighted vs the picture.
Having done that, that section posted does not comply to the set out rules.  

Will anything be done about it?  No
Will CSA or the organiser care?  No
 

Thanks Spinnekop.

Here is a preview of the track https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1360809278400465

Hopefully it does not rain on Saturday or during the week as I think the bridges would be sketchy in wet and muddy conditions.

[mikkelz]

That looks pretty sweet!

[DanMan]

I think it all valid questions, but it should be directed to Paola Damilano (CyclingSA MTB Director) mtb@cyclingsa.com

Hopefully you get a clear answer

[DJuice]

Wow dit lyk awesome.

Ons kinders in die Noord Kaap, moet te vrede wees met `n roete in `n beeskraal.

[DieselnDust]

6 hours ago, Spinnekop said:

Maybe just read the rules he posted and highlighted vs the picture.
Having done that, that section posted does not comply to the set out rules.  

Will anything be done about it?  No
Will CSA or the organiser care?  No
 

Is that a finished feature or a WIP?

the rules as posted apply to an open course and as far as I know that only happens when it’s opened for official practice. Till then it gets adjusted and tweaked. Safety features are the last bits to be added.

asking the question to Paula will deliver the answers. Instead here is already negativity without a finished product in place

Edited Wednesday at 12:11 PM by DieselnDust

[FullGasXC]

1 hour ago, DieselnDust said:

Is that a finished feature or a WIP?

the rules as posted apply to an open course and as far as I know that only happens when it’s opened for official practice. Till then it gets adjusted and tweaked. Safety features are the last bits to be added.

asking the question to Paula will deliver the answers. Instead here is already negativity without a finished product in place

Thanks for your response. Just to clarify, there was no negativity intended - only a straightforward question regarding whether provincial XCO courses are checked. The feature in question is finished, so the inquiry was simply to confirm if provincial XCO courses are checked to ensure they comply with the CSA rules as it is a CSA sanctioned event.

I completely understand that adjustments and safety features often come last, and that the course evolves until official practice. It’s helpful to know that asking Paula directly is the best way to get final confirmation.

[DieselnDust]

23 minutes ago, FullGasXC said:

Thanks for your response. Just to clarify, there was no negativity intended - only a straightforward question regarding whether provincial XCO courses are checked. The feature in question is finished, so the inquiry was simply to confirm if provincial XCO courses are checked to ensure they comply with the CSA rules as it is a CSA sanctioned event.

I completely understand that adjustments and safety features often come last, and that the course evolves until official practice. It’s helpful to know that asking Paula directly is the best way to get final confirmation.

No good, we're on the same page. That feature I'm sure will still get an anti slip coating or chicken wire. Unless its planned to be a permanent feature then something more hardwearing would be applied but no necessarily before the event. Paola would have the details on the post event plans for the structure

[sias]

On 5/6/2025 at 5:02 PM, FullGasXC said:

None, of the previous courses are of concern.  

I'm concerned about this weekends track because it was completed less than a week ago. The track is located at a high school in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.

I've attached an image of the track on the first post that is of concern.

If the event takes place in Mpumalanga, you can contact the Mpumalanga MTB commissioner. His details are on www.cyclingsa.com under MTB. His name is Danie Botha.

[Scotty 69]

Hi all , everything is being done professionally and in line with standards . The photos are to show what are to be expected and the catch-net on the big bridge and wire netting is being installed on all wooden bridges so we are expanding the sport in an awesome way for all XCO  riders to enjoy safely with easy B lines. Would appreciate a review if you actually where on sight and know that we have worked with mphumalanga cycling and their standards for almost 4 months . I do appreciate your concern but do dot comment on what you have not seen for yourself . All CSA cycling rules apply …

[FullGasXC]

44 minutes ago, Scotty 69 said:

Hi all , everything is being done professionally and in line with standards . The photos are to show what are to be expected and the catch-net on the big bridge and wire netting is being installed on all wooden bridges so we are expanding the sport in an awesome way for all XCO  riders to enjoy safely with easy B lines. Would appreciate a review if you actually where on sight and know that we have worked with mphumalanga cycling and their standards for almost 4 months . I do appreciate your concern but do dot comment on what you have not seen for yourself . All CSA cycling rules apply …

Thanks for your reply and for the work being put into developing the course — it's great to hear that safety features like catch-nets and wire netting are being installed and that there’s a clear focus on creating something enjoyable and inclusive for all riders.

Just to clarify my original post — it was never meant to undermine the work or effort of the organizing team. I asked the question in good faith, as someone who’s raced a few events and genuinely wanted to understand whether CSA checks and sign-offs are standard practice at provincial level. It’s encouraging to hear that the course is aligned with CSA and Mpumalanga Cycling standards and that this has been a long-term collaborative effort.

I appreciate the update and the clarity, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things come together for the event.