Fresh changes on the cards for MTB series

THE KZN Mountain Biking’s Lap Challenge Series kicks off on Sunday, 18 February in Shongweni with a few fresh changes added into the mix.

The Lap Challenge is a revamped KZN XCO Series which has been growing in popularity and will make its first appearance of the year at a completely new, accessible venue.

The track in Shongweni is relatively non-technical and is aimed at encouraging riders of all abilities to take part.

In the 2017 XCO Series, Stuart Marais was the dominant rider with a perfect result of three wins from three events.

His aim for 2018 is to keep his perfect record going. His competition is Henry Liebenberg as he has finished in second place for two years running.

In the women’s events, veteran Natalie Bergstrom will be taking on the 2017 winner Tiffany Keep.

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After the Shongweni event, round two will take place at Aloe Park on 25 March. The third leg of the series is on 20 May at Cascades in Pietermaritzburg.

The provincial XCO Champs will be held at Mazarat Park in Waterfall on 8 July.

XCO (or cross country Olympic) is the premier form of racing in most major mountain biking countries, and is the only form of mountain biking at the Olympics.

The events are spectator friendly as riders compete over laps, which in turn allows spectators to see riders at regular intervals.

Entries for all three series events and the KZN XCO Championships can be made at www.roag.co.za. Pre-entries for the first leg of the Lap Challenge Series close on Wednesday, 14 February.

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