KwaZulu-Natal’s MTB Commission has announced the combination of the The 2017 KZNMTB DHI and ENDURO Provincial Cup Series events, the racing aspect will now take place on the same day.
KwaZulu-Natal’s MTB Commission has announced the combination of the The 2017 KZNMTB DHI and ENDURO Provincial Cup Series events. The racing aspect will now take place on the same day. Photo (Jason Ryan Geldenhuys) by Paul Botma
KZNMTB’s Gravity (Downhill and Enduro) Commissioner Marc Philogene explained the concept behind the change: “Our idea behind this is to grow the sport by exposing more riders and spectators to both disciplines by having the races on the same day, thereby cutting operating costs, giving our sponsors a bigger audience and enhancing spectator value. This way, we will have lots of people here from the morning all through to the afternoon, and them not having to come back the next day to support a separate discipline.”
Philogene outlined that this would then mean an even more eventful day, with more spectators and an even greater electric atmosphere for those competing. The spectators will get a greater value-offering, being able to watch both races on the day. There will be dedicated spectator viewing spots, easily accessible for the public, either via spectator shuttles or marked off walking sections to get supporters to certain areas around the track/s.
“We are aiming for a crossover in the disciplines – it would be nice if the cross-country riders came along and tried out enduro, we have opened a new social class for those who would like to try it out ” he said. “There will also be a separate class in the downhill event for those with Enduro bikes”.
A larger common finish area, as well as a combined prize giving ceremony on the day, will give the sponsors the exposure they deserve.
The first KZNMTB Provincial Downhill and Enduro Cup Series event will take place at St. Ives in the Midlands on Sunday 12 February. “It’s always such a great venue, with lots to do there,” said Philogene. “We are hoping to get a Marquee as well, with some music and a good vibe for people to hang around and have a good time,” he added.
The first KZNMTB Provincial Downhill and Enduro Cup Series event will take place at St. Ives in the Midlands on Sunday 12 February. Photo: (Tessa Seaward) by Paul Botma
For the riders, it’s still a two-day event, with practice on Saturday. Both courses will be open for unofficial practice between 8:30 – 16:00. Please note that there will be no marshals, medics, or shuttles available at unofficial practice. Private shuttling will be allowed, subject to the event’s land owner’s regulations. Anybody found practicing after the time allowed will be disqualified.
“We are all getting quite excited for this, its something new, and yes it is a change, but there’s going to be a lot more of a vibe in one day that in the past had to be split into two,” concluded Philogene.
Entries for the event are open. For more information, or to enter, click here: http://www.roag.co.za/eventinfo.aspx?EventID=1932
Late entries will be accepted the day before from 14:00 – 16:00. There will be no late entries accepted on the day of the race.
