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…)

It was yet again a very successful event a weekend to remember for the Cape Town DH contingent. Seasoned world cup pro Andrew Neethling took the top spot with Stephan Garlicki and Johann Potgieter close on his heels. The event also saw seven ladies entering the race, a great accomplishment by local standards… (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…)

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…)

The fairest Cape played host to the first leg of the 2012 SA DH National series held this past weekend at Contermanskloof in Cape Town.  With most of the country’s top riders in attendance, it was local hero Johann ‘Pottie’ Potgieter who walked away victorious on Sunday… (more…)

As a warm up for the National Downhill Series’ first round starting next week, Paarl played host to the first Western Cape DH race for 2012. And warm it was. With the mercury already pushing 30 degrees celsius at 9am, it was going to be a tough day. Saturday’s practice saw only a few riders pull through, most likely due to the heat, but in the end a field of around 50 riders took part in Sunday’s race run.

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It’s racing time again, with the first of the 2012 SA National DH series kicking off in Cape Town on 11 & 12 February. Contermanskloof bike haven will once again play host to the first race of the season and with all of the new teams being formed at the end of 2011 it promises to be another great event… (more…)

The first in a three part rider profile series, local Cape Town downhiller turned pro, Stefan Garlicki recently caught up with the esphotograpy crew. Giving you the inside scoop on what makes this young rider tick, and what lays ahead for the future… (more…)