THE Bell Big 5 MTB Series is coming down to the wire as riders gear up for the final race in the series, the Monzi Hippo on Sunday 1 October.
With a fast track to finish the series, the Hippo should provide plenty of hard riding, especially among the top contenders, giving the perfect close to the series.
But do not be fooled with the undulating terrain of the area as this race has sections that are certain to both challenge and reward riders of all skill levels.
The 2016 route has been tweaked producing a track that will be a delight especially for the rider who has not quite developed those climbing skills and a perfect ride for the whole family through the country side.
Three generations of farmers have tamed the floodplains of the Umfolozi River and infused a once largely inaccessible piece of land with their enterprising and adventurous spirit.
It is this spirit of adventure which has motivated the track design.
Set alongside the Monzi flats through sugar cane fields, timber plantations and macadamia orchards, the track offers some very rideable single track through the southern part of the Futululu Forest section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Registration
Registration is between 6am and 8am with the 50km riders leaving the Monzi Club at 7.30am, 25km competitors at 8am and the 10km racers at 8.30am.
The Monzi Club GPS co-ordinates are S28 25.900 E32 17.924.
Monzi farmers will once again be waiting to greet the riders at the Monzi Club, half way between the town of Mtubatuba and St Lucia.
Series prize giving
Immediately after the Monzi Hippo prize giving, the series awards will be made at around noon.
Riders filling the overall top five positions in the series after four races in the 50km male race are Christian van Dyk (358 points), Klaas Meintjes (224 points); Riaan Swanepoel (170 points); Jasper van Vessem (169 points) and Sakhile Mtembu (162 points).
In the female race Hayley Smith with 386 points is 30 points ahead of Desiree Verwey on 358 points.
She is followed by Lize Swanepoel with 211 points, Jill Lynch (201 points) and Tracy Ibbetson (192 points).
With 100 points for a win, 86 for second place, 74 for third and 64 for fourth place it is still anyone’s race.
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