The 2026 Mpumalanga Enduro MTB Series roared into action in Sabie on Sunday, April 26, delivering an unforgettable opening round after weeks of heavy rain in the region.

Riders were rewarded with clear skies, spectacular scenery and perfectly primed trails that showcased the very best of the iconic Safcol trail network.

Riders faced five exhilarating timed stages:
• Stage 1: Fanie Botha Trail – 6.5km / 670m descent (blind stage for all riders and a true test of skill and commitment)
• Stage 2: Red Route Rocks – 1.1km / 155m descent
• Stage 3: Uncle D Green Delight – 1km / 143m descent
• Stage 4: Batman & Joker – 1.7km / 195m descent (new addition to the Safcol trails)
• Stage 5: XCO Black – 1.7km / 181m descent

The combination of technical descents, fast-flowing sections, and demanding terrain made for a true enduro test, rewarding riders who could balance speed, control and endurance.

Top three overall and category results
Elite men
• 1st: Ruben le Roux – 15:00.835
• 2nd: Kyle Pretorius – 17:34.142
• 3rd: Not in top 10 overall listing
Junior men
• 1st: Henro Fourie – 15:30.126
• 2nd: Jordan Muller – 17:43.038
• 3rd: Shaun Kunze – 18:06.729
Veteran men
• 1st: Lamar Pretorius – 16:51.414
• 2nd: Carl Deary – 17:19.846
• 3rd: Peter Pienaar – 18:38.138
Master men
• 1st: Hayden Hartley – 17:07.615
• 2nd: Mark Filter – 20:14.765
• 3rd: Frans Kirsten – 24:36.776
Youth men
• 1st: Tom Nucci-Hartley – 17:09.614
• 2nd: Kevin Filter – 17:29.595
• 3rd: Damian Blignaut – 18:58.748
Elite women
• 1st: Mikyla Herbst – 21:04.027
Subvet women
• 1st: Licarmi Smith – 27:03.960
E-bike men
• 1st: Shaun Haasbroek – 16:39.557
• 2nd: Paulo Francisco – 18:58.124
• 3rd: Wikus Strydom – 19:29.714.

The opening round set a high standard for the 2026 season, with the newly introduced “Batman & Joker” stage receiving particularly positive feedback from riders for its technical flow and character.

Despite the challenging conditions leading up to the event, the trails held up exceptionally well, and the Sabie Enduro once again proved why it remains one of the premier destinations for enduro riding in South Africa.

With a strong turnout, competitive racing across all categories, and world-class trail conditions, the first round of the Mpumalanga Enduro Series has firmly set the tone for an exciting season ahead.

Photos: Supplied/Willhinphotography