Mountain biking has become a staple in South African schools, with thousands of young riders embracing the sport. But did you know there are various mountain biking disciplines, each with its unique characteristics? Let’s break it down:
Mountain Biking Disciplines
- Cross Country Olympic (XCO): A spectator-friendly lap-based discipline, perfect for schools’ cycling. Riders complete several laps around an established course, showcasing their skill and strength.
- Schools MTB: Competitive mountain bike races for school students, held on closed-loop, off-road courses with technical features like climbs, descents, rocks, and roots. It emphasises endurance, bike handling, and tactical racing, usually with age categories based on school grades or years.
- Cross Country Marathon (XCM): A longer-distance discipline that tests riders’ endurance over varied terrain on a circular route. XCM racing is perfect for riders who enjoy the thrill of tackling challenging routes and pushing their limits for an extended time.
- Other disciplines include Gravel, Enduro and Downhill racing.
Governing Bodies in South African Cycling
If your child is involved in school-level cycling, it’s important to know about the two governing bodies in South African cycling. Historically, Cycling South Africa (CSA) was the sole governing body for cycling. However, as school-level cycling grew in popularity, Schools Cycling South Africa (SCSA) was established to oversee and govern school cycling specifically.
While SCSA governs school cycling, CSA remains the ultimate authority, stepping in where SCSA rules are insufficient. Understanding the roles of both CSA and SCSA will help you navigate the world of school cycling and ensure your child is well-represented.
The Rise of Schools MTB in Schools
Schools MTB has exploded in popularity in schools, with a thriving series of 5 events throughout the year. The season culminates in a final interschools race, where national champions are crowned in both Primary and High Schools categories. With the growing popularity of Schools MTB, the need arose to introduce the XCM discipline as well.
Ford Trailseeker and Schools Cycling South Africa
The Ford Trailseeker Series is an established mountain bike XCM Series with a strong family-oriented approach that hosts 6 popular events throughout the year. It only made sense to approach SCSA and propose a collaboration. As a result, Ford Trailseeker received SCSA’s endorsement to host the Gauteng Schools XCM championships. The race, scheduled for June 7, 2025, at Die Bosveld, Pretoria, will crown the Gauteng Schools XCM champion in one single race, the first of its kind and the first step towards establishing Schools XCM racing.
Ford Trailseeker #3 Die Bosveld promises to be an exciting experience for school participants, who will tackle distances ranging from 10 – 40 km, testing their endurance and skills on varied and exciting terrain.
Why should my child ride?
Children represent their schools and earn valuable points. The top school teams for boys, girls and combined schools will be announced for both Primary and High Schools. In addition to representing their schools, the riders gain valuable experience and earn points on the overall Ford Trailseeker leaderboard.
- The winners in each of the recognised age categories will be crowned as the Gauteng Schools XCM Champions
- Recognition will be given for the top 3 per category
How to enter:
- Enter via the Trailseeker website at www.trailseeker.co.za
- Select your child’s distance
- Select Minor/School entry
- Select your school
- First-time entrants need to buy a Pursuit timing board
- Complete your entry
Entry Criteria:
- Every child participating in the Gauteng Schools XCM Championships needs to have their school affiliated with SCSA.
- SCSA rules apply to all school entrants
- Age Categories are linked to specific distances
- We encourage all riders to wear their official school cycling kit when participating in this event.
What distance should my child ride?
A child’s age is deemed to be the age they would be at 31 December in that year.
10 km
Sub-Nippers | 7 to 8 years
*Please note: The 10 km for the Sub-Nippers is a fun ride and does not form part of the Gauteng Schools XCM Championships. The reason being that these youngsters cannot be allowed to ride this far without a parent present. They still require guidance and assistance in case something goes wrong or merely for the sake of providing moral support to go the distance.
- Adults will be allowed in all batches.
- No seeding
- Purchase a Pursuit timing board for R60 (if not already done)
20 km
Nipper | 9 & 10 years
Sprogs | 11 & 12 years
Sub-Junior | 13 & 14 years
- No adults in A-Batch
- Seeding for the top 30 riders per category
- Purchase a Pursuit timing board for R60 (if not already done)
40 km
Youth – 15 & 16 years
Junior – 17 & 18 years
- Only Youths / Junior / Grand Master and Master women in A-Batch
- Seeding for the top 40 riders per category
- Purchase a Pursuit timing board for R60 (if not already done)
Get Involved!
Ford Trailseeker, in conjunction with SCSA, invite all school learners (and their parents) to participate in Ford Trailseeker #3 Die Bosveld on 7 June! This event offers a unique opportunity for cyclists, young and old, to compete.
Although parents are invited to participate, please note that no parent will be allowed to start in the competitive A-batch with the kids to avoid parents assisting their children and benefiting them unduly.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your child to shine in the world of Schools XCM mountain biking!
