Nissan Sammy Marks - Experience The Olympic Format
Of Mountain Bike Racing In Gauteng

Press Release : Advendurance Media

Burry Stander (Specialized/MR Price) is at the moment South Africa’s premier mountain biking export and with good reason.

He is the current u.23 cross country world champion, winner of the u.23 World Cup-series and the third best cross country rider in the world.

Many mountainbikers can be forgiven if they don’t really know what cross country-racing is all about because weekend after weekend they only get to compete in marathon racing.

However on Saturday at the Sammy Marks Museum just outside Pretoria thanks to Nissan, mountainbikers with a sense adventure can get a glimpse of what Stander excels at and experience it themselves.

The 4th event in the popular Nissan-series is a six hour relay. It starts at 09:00 and finishes at 15:00.

Fritz Pienaar, race-organizer, said that the relay consists of 10km laps.

“It is going to be real exciting because when we were planning the route we decided we wanted to give riders who have never competed in a cross country race an idea what the Olympic format of mountain bike racing is all about.

“The route consists mostly of single track with some challenging technical sections but it won’t be as tough as a real cross country race.

“I personally think there is a big need for this format of racing. In the days when I were still actively racing these relay-format races used to be quite popular.

“What stands out about Saturday’s race is that it is going to be a true celebration of mountainbiking as well as a true teambuilding experience.

“Just think about it - at most companies people are working together without really getting to know each other. Everybody is so intent on survival and just making it through each working day that there is no time to really get to know people you work with, but it could all change on Saturday for companies entering the Nissan-relay.

“Companies can enter teams consisting of four riders or alternatively just two riders and because it is a relay the riders will really share in the trials and tribulations of their teammates. I can guarantee that everybody will be involved in the race for the whole six hours either being on your bike pedaling or just shouting words of encouragement to a teammate.

“It does not matter how fast you cycle on Saturday, it is more important for us that everybody enjoys the day.

“It is not only companies that can enter teams. Saturday could also be a nice family affair. You could have dad, mom and their kids cycling together.

“Novices will also get the chance to see the professionals race.”

Riders who is up to a real challenge could ride the whole six hours on their own.