In the run up to the MTB World Cup, an international race was held for XCO and the KZN Downhill champs. It has been two days of exceptional racing.
Nino Schurter and Burry Stander battled it out for most of the seven laps in the XCO race. The course was really tough with lots of climbing and technical sections. Sharka’s playground was a new addition to the route in the Ampi-theatre section and proved too much for some. It has two parts, the fast tricky log section and the longer slower chicken run. Although Burry caught up and was leading most of the race, Nino Schurter took the win on the last lap near the finish.
The rock garden was also in the route again, the tech zones have changed from last year and it is much easier for the support crews to do their thing.
On Sunday the sprogs and Grand masters took on the XCO course, the course was either shortened or certain technical sections were taken out of the route. After a good nights rain the course was slippery and muddy which did not make for easy racing.
The downhill practice was delayed by an hour which gave the ground a chance to dry out, but once practice started the riders were looking good and focused. There were many internationals racing, getting a feel for next weekends big event. Aaron Gwin took the win with more than two seconds on Mick Hannah.
Below are some of the images I captured this weekend.
