The stage is set, and Bloemfontein is ready to welcome South Africa’s best mountain bikers as the South African XCC and XCO Championships return to Happy Valley this weekend.
The country’s top riders will battle it out on one of South Africa’s most demanding and technical cross-country courses, with everyone from young rising stars to seasoned elite competitors and Olympians taking on the challenging Free State terrain.
It marks the first time in four years that the national championships return to Bloemfontein, and for Free State Cycling it is a proud moment to once again host one of the biggest events on the local mountain biking calendar.
“We are super excited from Free State Cycling to be able to host the National XCC and XCO Championships at Happy Valley,” said Charl Roos of Free State Cycling.
“Previously we held it in 2022, which was a massive success, and we are looking forward to doing the exact same and even better.
“The race days are Saturday and Sunday. We’ve got riders from the age groups of nine and older competing on Saturday afternoon, with the elite races taking place from late morning to early afternoon.”
Roos confirmed more than 250 riders have entered, including Olympic bronze medallist and former national champion in Bloemfontein, Alan Hatherly, as well as Olympian Candice Lill.
“We are super excited to have the top riders. We’ve got over 250 entries joining us in probably the most technical racing format, which is XCO – cross-country Olympic,” Roos told Bloemfontein Courant.
“It’s a technical course with tough descents, steep climbs and very rocky terrain at Happy Valley, which is regarded as one of the most technical cross-country courses in South Africa.
“Some of our big-name riders in the elite men’s race are Johan van Zyl, Luke Moir, Phillip Buys and the current UCI XCO World Champion, Alan Hatherly. We are pumped to see these guys take on the course.
“In our elite women’s race we’ve got Danielle du Toit, Tyler Jacobs and Olympic representative Candice Lill, who also won here in 2022.
“The riders are eager to see how they measure up against the elites, while we also have incredibly talented under-23 and youth riders competing. It’s going to be a star-studded day with plenty of riders joining us.
“We don’t often get the opportunity to see riders of this calibre and events like this in Bloemfontein. We waited four years for it – it’s like a Rugby World Cup for cycling in Bloemfontein.”
He also encouraged spectators to head to Happy Valley and soak up the atmosphere, with plenty happening away from the racing.
“Come out. The roads around Happy Valley will be closed on Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the event.
“Parking is R30, which gives you entry to the race village. You can walk the course, visit the vendors, enjoy the food stalls, music and everything else we’ve got planned for the weekend.
“The weather looks good. Come out, enjoy the Free State winter sunshine and see what the best riders in South Africa have to offer. Expect big jumps, fast descents, great food, plenty of fun and something for everyone.
“So come out, enjoy it, and see what these stars have in store for you.”
With national titles on the line and South Africa’s finest mountain bikers ready to tackle one of the country’s toughest courses, Happy Valley is set to deliver a weekend of spectacular racing, fierce competition and memorable moments. – MORGAN PIEK
