The Spur MTB League consists of 11 South African regions including neighbouring African countries Zimbabwe, Namibia and Lesotho who compete for a spot in the season-ending National Final in Magaliesburg in October.
Passionate coach and track builder Tiaan Fullard has dished up a challenging track amidst the picturesque terrain.
Starting at the top sports fields, the track goes down into the valley on the Northern side though the pine plantations. Down, in MTB terms, means single track, jumps, drop-offs, rock gardens and river crossings, while the uphill to the finish promises to be a challenge.
The 2 lap short course for the Nippers and Sprogs is less technical, but still demanding placing the emphasis on fun and technique. The Sub Juniors will also do a shorter course than the big guns racing the final two races.
Louis Trichardt High School is leading the log with 119 points, followed by host school Stanford Lake College in second with 79 points and Merensky High in third with 64 points.
Piet Potgieter High School and PHS Pietersburg High take up the fourth and fifth spots. Pietersburg East is lying first on the primary school log with 122 points.
Registration on Saturday opens at 07:00 and the track will be open for practice from 07:15. The Nipper Boys will start of the day’s racing at 08:00 followed by Nipper Girls, Sprog Boys and Girls 11 and 12 years old, Sub-Junior Boys and Girls 13 and 14 years old, Youth Boys and Girls 15 and 16 years old with the Junior Boys and Girls wrapping up the day’s racing with an 11:00 and 11:05 start.
Prize giving will be at 12:30. More info available at Limpopo Schools Cycling – MTB on facebook.
According to league director, Meurant Botha of Amarider participation at local events has been growing at a steady pace as schools accept mountain biking as a recognized sport.
He also stated that although many kids are finding their competitive edge on their bicycles, the Spur Schools Mountain Bike League’s focus is still to encourage more kids on bikes, more schools in action.
“It is important for all children to enjoy participating whether only starting out or having participated for a couple seasons.
We also urge the regions to support local cycling development programmes and assist more kids to get out and ride,” says Botha.
For more information on the 2016 edition of the Spur Schools Mountain Bike League, visit www.spurmtbleague.co.za, or contact Amarider’s Michelle du Preez at 021 8844547 or michelle@amarider.co.za
Follow them on facebook at SpurSchoolsLeague, twitter #spurMTBleagueand @spurMTBleague.
