CSA National Mountain Bike National – Nelson Mandela Bay 7-8 May 2011
29 April 2011
Thousands of spectators lined the course this last weekend in Pietermaritzburg in one of the most successful mountain bike events ever held on African shores. “We hope to build on the excitement that the UCI World Cup generated last weekend and showcase the sport of mountain biking to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro” says Brad Jackson, Event co-ordinator.
The Cross Country racing (XC) will take place on Saturday 7th May right in the centre of town. The course which is set in the Baakens Valley comprises one of the most technical and challenging courses that local riders have seen in a number of years. “Spectators will be able to see our country’s top riders tackle one of the most technical tracks in South Africa” says Julie Briggs, who has competed at a number of other National Events in the past.
The XC course consists of 6km laps through the Baakens Valley and incorporates rock-gardens, single-track paths and steep downhill sections which provide spectacular viewing opportunities. An Eastern Cape regional XC race is planned on the same course this coming Sunday (1 May) in anticipation of the ‘big-guns’ arriving from around the country the following week.
Racing commences at 8am on Saturday 7 May and kicks off with a Fun-class which is open to anyone wanting to experience racing in the official XC event.
A number of other activities are planned in and around the cross-country race village which is situated at the EP Badminton Hall in Walmer Downs. A night ride presented by Magiclight is scheduled for Friday evening (6th May) and a skills clinic presented by Momsen Bikes is planned for Friday afternoon. Food and beverages will be on sale throughout the day as well as a number of exhibitors who will be on hand to show their wares.
For the more extreme aspect of the sport, the Downhill (DH) event will be taking place on the Sunday (8th May) at LoerieRuskamp Resort just outside Port Elizabeth. The downhill course comprises a 1.2km track in which the rider aims to descend to the bottom of the track in the quickest possible time. The high speed event promises to entertain crowds with its jumps, rocks and drop-off sections.
For those who are looking for something less extreme, the Mountain Events Mini-marathon event will also be taking place on the Sunday morning at the LoerieRuskamp Resort just outside Loerie. This will consist of 4 laps of an 8km circuit involving less technical riding than the XC format and should be a great opportunity to ride on never before ridden trails. The event will conclude in time for riders and spectators to catch all the downhill action which takes place at the same venue. “LeorieRuskamp Resort has a wide range of accommodation options to meet all budgets so why not make a weekend of it and bring the whole family” states Margie Rudman, accommodation co-ordinator for the event.
Summary of events
| Official CSA Events | Date | Venue |
| Cross Country (XC) | 7 May | Baakens Valley, PE |
| Downhill (DH) | 8 May | Loerie Ruskamp, Loerie |
| Sideshow Events | Date | Venue |
| Momsen Skills Clinic | 6 May | Baakens Valley, PE |
| Magiclight Night Ride | 6 May | Baakens Valley, PE |
| Mini Marathon (Fun Event) | 8 May | LoerieRuskamp, Loerie |
Contact the official Event Co-ordinators at Mountain Events:
Brad Jackson
Mobile: 082 651 9182
Email: brad@mountainevents.co.za
Julie Briggs
Mobile: 083 304 2646
Email: julie@mountainevents.co.za
Visit our website: www.mountainevents.co.za
Author: Mountain Events
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