MTB -XCountry vs Marathon

[Trubie]

Can someone please explain to me what the diff is between these two MTB disciplines?

 

The way I understand it, is:

- Marathon distance would be longer (what dist would qualify as marathon?)

- Marathon the laps would be much longer

- Marathon is less technical??

 

- XCountry - shorter laps, more technical singletrack riding

 

Thank you in advance

 

 

[Dirtbreath]

Although some marathons run 2 laps of the same course, essentially they are or should be a single route of around 70 kays.

 

XC will be a number of laps (3-6 +-) of a short course (+- 5kays).

 

Technical difficulty of the route varies.

 

XC hasnt been popular in SA in the past but is very quickly gaining popularity. Marathons and half marathons have enjoyed huge fun/social rider support. XC is a bit more intense.

 

In running terms it's probably like running a 10 kay versus half and full marathins.

 

[Flea]

In terms of bikes though - are they different?

[Dirtbreath]

 

In terms of bikes though - are they different?

 

Not really. You might find more lighter hardtails in XC and slightly heavier, more comfortable full sussers in marathons, although the race snakes still do light and hard.

 

XC bikes can push the limits of durability a bit more than marathins as you do have a tech back up zone whereas marathons you are pretty much on your own out there.

 

Not sure about the tech backup in stage races as was seen in this years Cape Epic.

 

[Cranky]

Go to the UCI website and look at the MTB rules, if you want to see the exact specifications for each race type.

 

 

[Wernervdmerwe]

Ok - pardon my ignorance, but what does events like the MTB Argus and Vigne-a-vigne classify as?

 

Up until now I thought they were XC events?

[AndreZA]

I think XC is 2 hours or less lap race. Imagine having that and you have to pass back markers 5 times. It will be chaos.

[Matchstix]

In SA Marathon= roadrace on dirt

[Trubie]

Go to the UCI website and look at the MTB rules' date=' if you want to see the exact specifications for each race type.

 

 

[/quote']

Thanks everyone for the input.

Thanks Cranky - the UCI site descriptions are very clear. I found what I was looking for.

 

 

[GoLefty!!]

XC is a lap based race of maximum 50km distance or 2hrs in duration.

 

Marathon could be lap or out and back format but covering a distance of no less than 75km and at least 3hr is duration.

 

XC used to be very populaar in SA but it took a huge dip after 2001 for reasons unknown to me

It's popularity as DirtBreath says in again on the increase.