The Ford Trailseeker Series kicks off in spectacular fashion this season with its first event of the Series at Banhoek on 25 January 2025. Set in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in South Africa, this opening race promises an exhilarating start to the world’s biggest single-day mountain bike series. This will be the largest elite lineup Ford Trailseeker has seen, with top international riders in South Africa for their training camps. Many riders use this event as part of their early-season preparation, there is no doubt the competition will be fierce and full of energy.
Banhoek’s trails are renowned for their challenging mix of steep climbs, technical descents, and panoramic views, making it an ideal venue for riders to push their limits. The blend of rugged terrain and spectacular scenery ensures that this race will test the skills and endurance of all participants, offering a true challenge right at the start of the season. As the first event in the series, it provides the perfect platform for both seasoned pros and up-and-coming riders to showcase their strength and set the tone for the rest of the year.
Setting the Global Standard
Cannondale Factory Racing is bringing a strong lineup to the Ford Trailseeker Banhoek event, with five of their top riders set to compete in their first race of the season.
Phi Dixon, Team Director of Cannondale Factory Racing shares “We are super excited to be in South Africa for the first training camp of the year and return to the Ford Trailseeker race at Banhoek! This will be the first race of the season for the new look CFR squad. For me it is great for the Cannondale athletes to be on the start line with the local SA MTB community. They will get a chance to test their new Scalpel Cannondale MTB bikes on the lekker trails the race has to offer. They are expecting a hard day at the office on Saturday and can’t wait to get started.”
Jolanda Neff (Cannondale Factory Racing)
Leading the charge in the women’s field is Jolanda Neff, a global icon in mountain biking. As an Olympic Gold Medalist and holder of 17 World Cup victories, Neff’s name is synonymous with excellence in the sport. She has won the World Cup overall title four times and is a two-time World Champion. Neff’s experience and skill will bring unmatched excitement to the trails of Banhoek.

Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing)
The 2024 U23 World Champion, Luca Martin, has emerged as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. Hailing from Andorra, Martin is known for his sharp technical skills and endurance. In 2024, he claimed his first U23 World Cup win in Lenzerheide, and with his technical expertise and explosive power, he is a top contender for the win in Banhoek.
Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing)
Scotland’s Charlie Aldridge, the 2024 U23 World Cup winner, is a rider with a bright future and a proven track record. He finished 4th at the U23 World Championships in 2023 and has earned top spots in prestigious races such as The Alps Epic.


Cole Punchard (Cannondale Factory Racing)
Fresh off his U23 World Cup victory in Lake Placid in 2024, Canadian rising star Cole Punchard will look to continue his winning streak in Banhoek.
Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division)
Representing Italy, Martina Berta brings a wealth of experience, including her title as the 2024 XCO Italian Champion. A consistent fixture on the World Cup circuit, Berta’s technical expertise and aggressive riding style will make sure she’s not left behind in the women’s race.
Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division)
Mathis Azzaro is eager to kick off his season at the Ford Trailseeker Banhoek event. Known for his passion for technical trails, Azzaro is looking forward to testing his form ahead of the XCO season. “I’m super excited to race the Ford Trailseeker race. I love the trails there in Bahnoek, and it’s also an opportunity to test the body before launching the XCO season ! It’s gonna be a fun ride there, also interesting to start at 6:30am.”


Sara Cortinovis (Ghost Factory Racing)
Sara Cortinovis, a World Cup podium finisher and former Italian champion, represents Ghost Factory Racing. She shares that she is “thrilled for my first marathon MTB race in South Africa! Here for the experience, the stunning trails, and the fun—no expectations, just good vibes. Can’t wait to soak in the energy of this incredible place and its people.”
The Local Racing Scene
The local teams are stepping up their game this year, with the massive R1 million prize pool for winning all six Ford Trailseeker events motivating riders to commit to the full series. Pyga Eurosteel, who dominated last year by securing the top three overall positions, has confirmed their plans to race all six events in 2025.
Pyga Eurosteels team manager Ruan Lochner says, “Last year, we competed in five of the six Ford Trailseeker events and secured the top three overall positions. This year, the increased prize money adds an extra layer of motivation, encouraging more riders to battle it out for the overall title. I am sure the racing will be intense right from the first race, especially with the even bigger pot of gold for anyone who can win all six! It’s fantastic to see Ford and Faces investing in the sport, as this also gives the younger generation something to dream about.”


Nicolette Griffioen (Independent)
The 2024 Ford Trailseeker Series Champion, Nicolette Griffioen, has established herself as a dominant force in the sport. Known for her consistency, endurance, and strategic racing, Griffioen will look to defend her title and prove that she is ready to take on the best of the international field. “I’m really looking forward to the 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series, starting with Banhoek which is the only event I haven’t ridden previously. I thoroughly enjoy climbing and technical single track, so if Banhoek is anything like Wellington, it’s going to be a blast! The prize money on offer this year is definitely going to increase the depth of the competitive field, and I’m just excited to be a part of the fun!”
Wessel Botha (Team Honeycomb 226ers)
The reigning 2024 South African Marathon Champion, Wessel Botha, is set to lead the charge for Team Honeycomb 226ers. Known for his strength and tactical racing, Botha has been a fixture at the top of the marathon scene making him a favorite for the men’s race.
Danielle du Toit
Danielle du Toit, previously Strydrom claimed the double title of SA Gravel and Marathon Champion in 2024. She shares “I’m very excited to kick off my 2025 racing season this weekend at the Ford Traileeker, right here in the lovely winelands. I will be racing in new team colours and on my new steed, which I am excited to share soon! This particular Trailseeker always promises a challenging and fun ride, that with the possibility of international riders, will definitely make for an epic start to the year. The new prize money structure is on everyone’s lips and will definitely be adding an extra sense of excitement and hopefully will be drawing more people to the events. All in all, it’s shaping up to be a tough, but fun day out on the trails and I can’t wait to get in between the tapes again.”
Tristan Nortje (Imbuko ChemChamp)
Tristan Nortje, fresh off an impressive second-place finish at the Attakwas this past weekend, where he also claimed the King of the Mountain title, is eager to test himself on the Banhoek trails. No stranger to Ford Trailseeker events, Tristan is always a strong contender and a familiar face on the series’ podiums.
“I ride the Banhoek every year because I believe it’s the best event of them all—and definitely the toughest! It features the best trails in South Africa and consistently attracts some of the world’s top riders. It’s always exciting to race against such high-caliber competitors. The race is full gas from start to finish—there’s no holding back! The prize money is exactly what South Africa needs, and Ford Trailseeker has done a great job in offering it.”

Bianca Haw
Bianca Haw, who recently made her return to competitive cycling, is determined to start the Ford Trailseeker Series on a high note. With an impressive track record, including two victories in three Ford Trailseeker events in 2024, Haw is eager to showcase her form with her new team. “I’m looking forward to the first race of the season with my new team! I’m sure everyone is ready to get the racing going even better to start with a Ford Trailseeker”

Marco Joubert (Imbuko ChemChamp)
Riding for Imbuko ChemChamp, Marco Joubert has earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s top riders. After securing a strong second-place finish in 2024, Joubert is eager to return to Banhoek, a race he calls a highlight of the season.
“It’s early in the season but usually attracts international XCO stars, making it a great opportunity for us local riders to test ourselves against the best. Plaisir is a beautiful venue, and the Banhoek trails are world-class—it’s an all-round fantastic event. I give my all in every race, but with the increased prize purse, I’m definitely going to dig even deeper.”
Keagan Bontekoning (Insect Science)
Keagan Bontekoning, a familiar name in the Ford Trailseeker Series, is ready to start the 2025 Series with renewed energy and anticipation. “Starting the season on some of my favourite trails always feels special,” he says. “These races are never easy, and that’s what keeps me coming back. The field of riders is always strong, with each one pushing the pace, and the newly increased prize purse adds even more motivation to perform at my best.”
Ford Trailseeker Series #1 Banhoek will see riders tackle a challenging course featuring stunning views, tough climbs, and technical descents. With the caliber of talent on display, including additional elite riders such as Hayley Preen, Sam Sanders, Arno Du Toit, Marc Pritzen, and more, this promises to be an unmissable start to the series.
“The opening event of the Ford Trailseeker Series is always a highlight,” said Pieter Vorster, Race Director. “With such a competitive field of international and local riders, we’re excited to see how the action unfolds on the trails of Banhoek.”
This event marks the start of the Ford Trailseeker Series, which offers an extraordinary R1 million performance bonus to the rider who can claim victory in all six races. Could this milestone be achieved in its debut year? With the stakes higher than ever, Banhoek is the perfect setting to see who will rise to the occasion.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this world-class event and take part in the action. Entries close today at midnight, 21 January. To enter, visit https://trailseeker.co.za/mtb/events/1-banhoek/