{"id":70868,"date":"2025-01-07T17:28:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T15:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/?p=70868"},"modified":"2025-01-28T13:25:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T11:25:04","slug":"ford-trailseeker-mountain-bike-series-2025-kicks-off-with-r100000-series-prize-money-and-r1-million-performance-bonus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/ford-trailseeker-mountain-bike-series-2025-kicks-off-with-r100000-series-prize-money-and-r1-million-performance-bonus\/","title":{"rendered":"Ford Trailseeker Mountain Bike Series 2025 Kicks Off with R100K Series Prize Money and R1 Million Performance Bonus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Ford Trailseeker Mountain Bike Series, the world\u2019s biggest single-day mountain bike series, has announced a thrilling incentive for 2025. With a focus on rewarding endurance, strategy, and dedication, the series offers an impressive <strong>R100,000 prize<\/strong> to the Elite male and female winners of the series marathon distance, determined by their best four out of six event results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f9ee9058b4a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f9ee9058b4a\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70869\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u00a9 Nick Muzik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To further inspire peak performance, a <strong>R1 million performance bonus<\/strong> will be awarded to any Elite rider who manages the incredible feat of winning all six marathon distance events in the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Race Director Fritz Pienaar shared his enthusiasm for this bold initiative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f9ee9058f86&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f9ee9058f86\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2-1-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70875\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nicolette Griffioen on her way to claiming the marathon Series victory at the 2024 Ford Trailseeker. Image by Sam Clark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhile the global market has embraced new disciplines like gravel racing, we remain firmly committed to supporting mountain bike racing in South Africa. Marathon racing has been the backbone of our mountain biking community for decades, providing a platform for riders to test their endurance, build skills, and prepare for stage races. With our series, we aim to celebrate this heritage, reward the men and women at the top of their field, and inspire riders to push their limits through tactical and dedicated racing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f9ee90592e8&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f9ee90592e8\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/3-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70871\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/3-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dusty scenes of the leading elite women at the 2024 Ford Trailseeker #1 in Banhoek. Image by Sam Clark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the series prize and performance bonus, the per-event prize money structure remains unchanged, with winners of each marathon distance event walking away with <strong>R12,500<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ford Trailseeker Mountain Bike Series continues its tradition of highlighting the best riders with the iconic <strong>series leader jerseys<\/strong>, sponsored by Anatomic. These jerseys will be awarded to the series points leaders across the 70km marathon, 40km half-marathon, and 20km fun ride categories, ensuring recognition across all key distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f9ee9059683&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f9ee9059683\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/4-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70872\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/4-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/4-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 series begins with its first event in <strong>Banhoek, Western Cape, on 25 January<\/strong>, promising world-class trails and fierce competition. However, entries for Banhoek close on <strong>21 January<\/strong> and are limited, so riders are encouraged to secure their spot now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, value-for-money races, and exceptional organisation, the Ford Trailseeker Mountain Bike Series continues to elevate mountain biking in South Africa. For more information and to register, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.trailseeker.co.za\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>www.<\/strong><\/a><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.trailseeker.co.za\/?utm_source=bikehub&amp;utm_medium=article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">trailseeker<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.trailseeker.co.za\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69f9ee90599fd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69f9ee90599fd\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5-1400x933.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-70873\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2025\/01\/5-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">After announcing its title sponsorship of the esteemed Ford Trailseeker in January 2024, Ford South Africa has solidified its commitment to empowering the cycling community and furthering its support for outdoor enthusiasts across the country.\u00a0Image by Zayne Botha.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Ford Trailseeker Mountain Bike Series, the world\u2019s biggest single-day mountain bike series, has announced a thrilling incentive for 2025. With a focus on rewarding endurance, strategy, and dedication, the series offers an impressive R100,000 prize to the Elite male and female winners of the series marathon distance, determined by their best four out of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":70872,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[589],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-70868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","tag-trailseeker"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70868"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70868\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70879,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70868\/revisions\/70879"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70868"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=70868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}