![\"ccs-62657-0-47331200-1432623899.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-47331200-1432623899.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a>South African National DHI Champion, Tiaan Odendaal, will be looking to claim the provincial title at the KZN Provincial Enduro and Downhill Championships, sponsored by NMI-DSM, which takes place at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on 6 and 7 June respectively. \/\/ Photo credit: Gavin Ryan\/Quick Pix.<\/span>\n<\/div>\nSpectators to the park will be able to see some of KZN\u2019s best riders in action in two separate events \u2013 the popular and relatively new Enduro discipline on Saturday with the Downhill on Sunday. Both events start at 11:00 and not 12:00 as previously advertised.<\/p>\n
Odendaal will be one of many young and not-so-young men and women aiming to claim the provincial titles on offer on a track that has attracted the world\u2019s best downhill racers in previous years. Highly skilled riders will tackle the seriously technical track, where most sections will be the same as what was used in the World Cup last year.<\/p>\n
The National Champion is feeling ready for battle. \u201cI am feeling pretty comfortable, I mean it\u2019s the same course as the SA Cup and I\u2019m confident about it. Having said that, I am probably going to get a bit more nervous closer to the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked whether or not he would be competing in the Enduro race the day before the downhill, Odendaal said, \u201cI would love to race the Enduro but I\u2019ll just have to see. If the distance between the timed sections is strenuous and the racing is very technical, then I probably won\u2019t. For now my major focus is on Sunday\u2019s downhill race \u2013 I don\u2019t want to be too worn out before I race.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regular downhill podium contender, Tim Bentley, will also be competing in the DHI race and hopes to bring some excitement to the track with his flamboyant style and big air. Bentley \u2013 sponsored by Fox Head clothing and Greg Minnaar Cycles \u2013 feels the same way in terms of racing the National and Provincial races.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor sure, a national race is always more stressful although there is still a bit of pressure for a provincial race. The vibe is a lot more relaxed than a national and there is a lot less tension between the riders on race day. But when you are in the start gate ready to go off for your run I think most riders would agree that you always feel nervous and feel the pressure of doing well no matter how big the race is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Downhill participants will have the morning to practice the technical sections on the track with official practice from 08:30-10:30 on Sunday, and racing starting at 11:00.<\/p>\n
Saturday\u2019s Enduro racing is open for anyone to race on any type of mountain bike, and its relaxed and social element have seen this discipline of mountain biking grow with each event on the provincial circuit.<\/p>\n Dave Drummond, event organiser for the KZN Enduro Champs, says that although the track is technical, there is nothing on the course that cannot be ridden on a XCO bike, even on a hardtail. With the focus being on fun, the Enduro race is sure to see another great turnout of keen riders looking for pure rider enjoyment!<\/p>\n Event details:<\/p>\n Date: 6-7 June 2015<\/a>Hilton Frost, seen here enjoying the flowing trails of Enduro racing, will be vying for the Enduro title at the KZN Provincial Enduro and Downhill Championships, sponsored by NMI-DSM, which takes place at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on 6 and 7 June respectively. \/\/ Photo credit: Gavin Ryan\/Quick Pix.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>Elite woman rider, Sabine Thies, will be racing for top honours in both disciplines at the KZN Provincial Enduro and Downhill Championships, sponsored by NMI-DSM, which takes place at Cascades MTB Park in Pietermaritzburg on 6 and 7 June respectively. \/\/ Photo credit: Gavin Ryan\/Quick Pix.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n
Province: KwaZulu-Natal
Location: Cascades MTB Park
Entries Close: 3 June 2015
Starting Time: 11:00
Registration: Cascades, 08:00-11:00 & Cascades, 07:30-10:30
Late Entries: Yes
Timed By: Elite Timing
ROAG Registration: No
Event Website: http:\/\/www.kznmtb.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n