Mpumalanga Schools MTB Series 2014
Mankele Mountain Biking is one of the leading MTB bike parks in South Africa today. It is beautifully located in an indigenous forest near the Sudwala Caves and alongside the Houtbosloop River. The mixed terrain offers the perfect location for its wide variety of trails.
May 17 – Das Auto at Penryn (21st June, 5th July, 9th August, 6th September)
Licenses:
Riders do not have to hold valid SACF licenses, because of the nature of the event.
THE COURSE
The course length may vary dependant upon the age category of the rider and the required race time per lap, however it is designed to pass the start finish area as often as possible on each lap, with plenty of emphasis on fun and spectator interest. The course will not be particularly technical in nature for the younger age categories and will be ride- able on the most basic entry-level bicycles. Riders complete a number of laps, dependant on their age categories. Courses will be clearly marked with hazard tape, lime and the standard UCI XCO markings..
CATEGORIES
UCI age categories will be determined by the rider’s age as at the 31st December 2014 The categories are defined as follows, sub-nippers(6-7), nippers(8-10), sprogs (11-12), sub-junior (13-14), youth (15 -16), junior (17-18). Girls will be catered for in a separate class if there are one or more girl entrants in any age group.
DISTANCES/RACE TIMES
The race times for riders categories have been amended to fall in line with the UCI XCO rules. The riders’ age category will dictate the number of laps which each rider has to complete.
Race timing will be as follows:
Sub-Nippers and Nippers – 15-30min
Sprogs – 30 min
Sub-junior – 45 min
Youth – 60min
Junior – 60min + 15min
GEAR
Riders are encouraged to wear school sports colours to engender the inter-schools spirit of the race. All participants must wear recognized cycling helmets while on the course. The no helmet, no ride rule will be applied strictly.
Riders will be issued with number boards and cable ties when they register for the series. The riders are to complete the series with the same race number board which must be displayed clearly on the front of his/her bike at every event.
A small fine will be imposed for lost number boards during the series.
SCORING
Points will be awarded to riders depending on their finishing position within their category, while an equal number of points will be awarded to their school.
At the end of the series, the rider with the most points in each category will be declared the champion, while the junior and Senior Schools with the most points will also receive recognition in the form of a Floating Trophy.
Points will be awarded to the top ten finishers in each category: 1st – 11; 2nd – 10; 3rd – 9; 4th – 8; 5th – 7; 6th – 6; 7th – 5; 8th – 4; 9th – 3, 10th – 2,11th – last – 1 point. Each participant will be awarded at least one point for their school. Medals will be issued at each event to the top three finishers in each category.
BEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINE
Riders will be expected to participate for the love of the sport, comradeship and above all, fun. A high degree of sportsmanship and courtesy and consideration for other riders and officials will be demanded at all times.
In matters of discipline or arbitration, the Race Director’s ruling will be final and no discussions will be entered into.
Parents or Guardians will be required to register and sign a blanket indemnity for the entire series. This registration form will available for download from www.mankele.co.za which will help to streamline the organization and scoring procedures at the events. This initial registration is free.
Riders may receive assistance in repairing bicycles and receiving food and drink in the designated “TECH ZONES”. However, riders must finish the event with the same frame and wheels. Riders may not be followed during the event by a parent or helper except in the nippers and sub-nippers categories. Younger riders will however be accompanied by older riders who may render assistance where necessary.
Schools are encouraged to enter as many riders as possible so as to engender the inter schools concept of the meeting.
Entry fees will be R30 per event with all proceeds going toward prizes and trophies. The final prize giving takes place at the regional finals.
Endorsements
The SPUR MTB school series is fully sanctioned by Cycling SA and held under the rules and regulations of SA-MTB.
