One of the most diverse and exciting cycling disciplines, offering events focused across endurance, speed and technical precision and combinations of all 3! “Blood, sweat and gears.”
Mountain biking in KwaZulu‑Natal offers opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities to participate, compete and grow. KZN’s varied terrain provides an ideal environment for MTB riders; from coastal forests, sugarcane valleys to Midlands single‑track, Drakensberg mountain passes and at its heart is Cascades MTB Park, a world‑renowned venue and proven training ground for many of South Africa’s best MTB riders.
The MTB discipline spans a wide range of racing formats, with age appropriate distances, to allow children of all ages to compete alongside elite athletes, parents and grand parents:
Over the years, KZN mountain bikers have achieved success at every level, with many riders representing our province and country with distinction. For newcomers, mountain biking in KZN offers an inclusive and welcoming community, with events and training opportunities available across the province. Riders are encouraged to join local clubs, participate in sanctioned events and stay connected through the KZN Cycling calendar and communication platforms.
Safety, responsible trail use and rider development remain key priorities within the discipline, and we encourage all cyclists to support one another and contribute positively to the KZN MTB community.
Cross-country is part of the Olympic programme and Cross-country races are held over undulating circuits (with technical descents, forest roads, rocky paths and obstacles) of 4 to 6 km in length. Riders complete multiple laps according to their age category, making XCO an intense, high skill format that rewards fitness, technical ability, and race strategy. The KZN provincial series and championships is a pathway for riders progressing toward national and international XCO racing.
Cross country Short Course (XCC) is a fast, high intensity mountain bike discipline raced on short circuits over 10–20 minutes depending on age category (sub junior and above). It emphasises explosive power, technical precision, and tactical positioning, making it one of the most dynamic formats in cross country racing. XCC races are often used as a seeding events for XCO.
Marathon racing (XCM) is long distance mountain biking over extended off-road routes, designed to test endurance, pacing, and technical skill. Riders of all levels — from social enthusiasts to elite professionals — race on the same course, creating an inclusive, mass participation racing experience. In KZN, marathon racing is represented by the KZN Super Classic Series, a collection of established provincial events and offer age appropriate distances while showcasing the province’s diverse terrain.
Gravel racing is an endurance based cycling discipline held on mixed surface routes that combine district roads, farm tracks, and hard packed trails, with events designed to test sustained speed, pacing, and handling on constantly changing terrain. Gravel racing blends elements of road and mountain biking, making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Both MTB and gravel bikes can be used for this discipline (apart from a few races restricted to only gravel bikes). A KZN gravel series is planned for 2027.
Enduro mountain biking (MTB) is a challenging and popular off-road cycling discipline that combines elements of cross-country and downhill mountain biking, with races requiring athletes to use a combination of endurance, speed and technical riding skills. Riders complete multiple timed “special stages” of descending, linked by untimed climbs or traverses ''liaison stages''.
Downhill mountain biking (DHI) is a fast-paced, gravity-powered sport that involves riding a mountain bike down steep, challenging terrain, often made up of technical passages, like jumps, drops, rocks, roots, and overhangs, as well as faster sections where riders can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. Considered the most technical of all MTB racing and requires a high level of skill to compete and a specific type of bike. Downhill venues are few and far between in KZN, with Cascades MTB Park, PMB being the only true DHI venue.
Age is determined as of the 31st December of the current year.
The KZN MTB Commission is a volunteer organisation established in terms of the constitution of Cycling KZN and is a subsidiary of Cycling KZN. Cycling SA reports to the Department of Sport and as such is accountable to the government of South Africa.
The KZN MTB Commission comprises a number of commissioners that strive to administer the sport in the province in a responsible and professional way. Our primary goal is to manage mountain biking in KZN in accordance with the rules and regulations that have been developed over time, while promoting and adding value wherever possible.
The ethos of the Commission is embodied in the slogan: “Sport run by people with passion that promote environmentally sound and socially responsible mountain biking” and the practical working of this can be seen in the continuous improvements that are made every year.
The KZN MTB Commission is legally a “volunteer organisation” which does not make a profit. All revenues collected are used for the management and development of the sport in KZN and to assist rider development. The finances are managed by the elected Treasurer and overseen transparently by the Commission at 6 monthly meetings. The financials will be present at the annual general meeting and all records are open to inspection.
KZN MTB Commission Head: Andrew Mackinnon
Administrator: Nicola Paul
E-mail: [email protected]
Treasurer: Chanti Wilson
E-mail: [email protected]
Gravity: kzngravity.co.za
E-mail: [email protected]