Mountain bike spectacle coming to Parys

On 26 February 2022, Koedoeslaagte Trail Park just outside Parys will play host to the first Cross Country Mountain Bike SA-Cup event of the 2022 season. Cross country mountain biking (XCO MTB) is the Olympic format of the sport. The event is sure to attract the best mountain bikers from the continent. “Our appointment to host this prestigious event is official and the work can begin. The event carries an international Category-2 UCI status and we sure don’t want to disappoint the athletes who will be travelling here from all over the country.

But first and foremost, we want to please the crowds,” says Deon Steyn, one of the directors of the event. “XCO-racing format is designed for spectators to get close to the action and for the riders to show off their superior fitness and bike-handling ability,” Steyn says.

The Parys-area has all the tools to host such a spectacle. The town and the wider Dome area offer a choice of affordable accommodation, food and entertainment. Koedoeslaagte has the mountains and natural beauty to add gravitas to the event. To add to this, Parys is central to a large community of cyclists and cycling fans from Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp, Sasol, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging. The cycle track will require special construction and will form part of the current trail network at Koedoeslaagte. The investment will be permanent and the organisers aim to organise the national and even the continental championships.

The event will also offer local stars and upcoming stars an opportunity to enjoy the local advantage and be inspired. Johan de Villiers, arguably the best junior mountain biker in South Africa, is looking forward to racing on local soil. Johan regularly trains in the park. This prestigious event needs the buy-in of our community and anyone who wants to contact the organisers is invited to do so. Contact Attie Koekemoer for any further information at 082 335 3358, attie.koekies@gmail.com.