The Free State Cycling Federation, along with the National Cycling Federation, will host the fourth and final South African Mountain Bike Cup Championship for the weekend of 17 to 19 July in the Happy Valley Conservancy.

This event, which caters for all provincial cyclists, will attract around 350 riders from the age of 13 to the elites. It also serves as the national championships and an inter-provincial challenge. The event is staged over three days.

Friday is the unofficial course practice where the riders learn the course, the technical aspect, and the jumps.

On the Saturday, the riders race a much shorter course of only 950 m in laps. This racing is very intense due to it being on a shortened course, which has no technical challenges.

The finishing positions of the days’ racing are used to determine the starting positions for Sunday.

Sunday’s racing is on a longer 4,5 km course on the very challenging technical course. Part of what they rode on the Saturday, forms part of the Sunday racing which caters for those 16 years and older.

Both courses are spectator friendly.

The racing is expected to be very fast paced, close with perhaps sprint finishes. The podium ceremonies for the Saturday starts at 15:00, while on Sun the podium ceremonies commence at 11:30, 12:00, and 17:00.

Also read: New joy at Happy Valley and Reservoir Island.

Such an event cannot happen without joint partners ensuring the hosting and management is of the highest quality. Bringing this event to central South Africa with Bloemfontein as the hosting city, requires a top-class partnership.

Some of the sponsors and partners have contributed funds, supplied equipment, while others have assisted with manpower. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors.

The public is invited to support not only the riders, but also the vendors.

There will be plenty of parking at the Reservoir Island, at a small fee. Spectators do not need to pay an entry fee.

Visit Free State Cycling on Facebook and Instagram for more information.