AVIS Van Rental Downhill Challenge Paarl 2013 from retroyspective on Vimeo.

The 2013 Western Province DH pre-season kicked of this weekend with the annual Avis Van Rental Paarl Downhill Challenge. Typical to this time of year, both days saw temperatures above 30 degrees celsius, which ensured a bone-dry and very quick track. As race day progressed though, the wind picked up somewhat, affecting the top rider’s race runs.

The race was attended by a number of KZN riders, including Hayden Brown and Tiaan Odendaal. Among the local hero’s were Andrew Neethling, Johann Potgieter and event organizer Stefan Garlicki. In the end a total of 80 riders attended the weekend, starting the year on a very positive note. As was expected, the elite men’s racing was tight with the top 5 separated by just over 4 seconds. Though the first run’s times were unconfirmed due to timing malfunctions, the second set of times showed the world number 17 to be on the top spot of the podium. Only 0.420 seconds behind him was Stefan Garlicki, closely followed by Johann Potgieter in third.

A very big thank you goes out to AVIS Van Rental as the title sponsor, Redbull, Leatt, Csixx, Unit, Adidas eyewear and Virgin Active for giving away some awesome prizes.

This past weekend saw the first of the 2013 South African National Downhill series take place at the Jonkershoek DH track in the Western Cape. Andrew Neethling was on top form again and took the top spot on the day… (more…)

With the popularity of downhill mountainbiking continually growing in South Africa and our local hero Greg Minnaar taking the number one spot in the world, it is always good to see independent events growing from strength to strength and catering to the riding community. Just like 4th annual Avis Van Rental Downhill Challenge to be held in Paarl next month… (more…)

Canfield Brothers Jedi 2008 from AntonCor on Vimeo.

2012 Malelane Toyota KTM DH Challenge from D4 PRODUCTIONS | Andrew King on Vimeo.

Gary Barnard is the guy who beat the guy who beat the World Champion, sounds quite cool i think. A formidable rider who’s name has come up a few times in the last few months as riders discuss the 2013 DH season and who to look out for. Showing once again that the Sub Vets class should not be discounted and that the young guns shouldn’t rest on their laurels… (more…)

As far as relatively unknown independent DH races go, I am confident in saying that it doesn’t really get any better than this past weekend’s Malelane TOYOTA KTM DH Challenge which sported the likes of DH world Champ Greg Minnaar, 2^nd place iXS cup rider Johann Potgieter and SA Champ Tiaan Odendaal… (more…)

GOPR0597 from NSRMTB on Vimeo.