The Big 5 Mountain Bike Series 2012
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Race #1 in the MiWay Big 5 Series, The Zini Estate Buffalo Classic.
What an amazingly awesome day, beginning with a spectacular sunrise lighting up the start of the MiWay Big 5 Series with the first race the Zini Estate Buffalo Classic .
A total of 900 riders were registered smoothly with the Big 5 Challenge entries having already been completed at the Expo the day before and the 250 on-the-day 10km entries handled downstairs allowing the 230 late entries in the 25km and 50km races to be handled efficiently.
The Batch Start, a very new experience for many riders, and a first for mountain biking in Zululand, allowed batches of 75 riders to start from 9.00 am through to 9.30 alleviating the congestion that comes with mass starts and allowing for a far pleasanter rider experience. The 25km batches went off first and with rising temperatures on what was meant to be a winters day the 50km race was sent away earlier than planned, unfortunately the speed of the top 50km riders was underestimated and they very quickly overtook the back end of the 25km race causing some congestion before the 50km and 25km split at 6km.
The new northern sections of single track after the Umlalazi Bridge in the 50km race was thoroughly enjoyed by all and with the extra climbs, twists and turns, meant slower times on a tougher route than in previous years. Both the 25km and 50km race once again rode through the Coastal Forest Reserve with the added extra of the single track through the Forest Lodge resort through to the new board walk section of the Raphia Palms, a unique experience for most riders as it winds through the mangroves and massive Raphia Palm leaves.
The final daunting challenge for any rider is the dreaded climb back up the golf course to the finish at the Mtunzini Country Club, this with temperatures at an usual thirty two degrees, which our race snakes took in their stride but saw the back end of the field pushing slowly to the finish. Apart from the 50km catching the backend of the 25km with 3km, the rider report backs have all been positive on the route, especially with the new single track sections in the North.
In the 50km men’s race last year’s overall winner Shaun Merredew ranked as the overall winner in a time of 2h.03 after breaking away in the last 3km on the new boardwalk from Bradley Stroburg who came in second just 7 seconds back and Tyrone White who held back in the last few kilometres finishing two and half minutes back.
Nedene Cahill, the overall female in the 2011 50km is back, winning in a time of 2h17. Almost 11 minute back and fighting all the way to the finish Natalie Bergstrom went ahead of Heidi Dalton finished 42 seconds apart. Watch this space as this is first time Heidi has been back on her mountain bike in a while after concentrating on road cycling.
The 25km race as always produced a fast and furious finish and with some of the top contenders from last year moving into the 50km category has allowed new riders to challenge for the top positions.
Thomas Jessop won the men’s 25km in a time of 1h.10, closely followed by local Mtunzini rider Wiehan Prinsloo and 5 minutes behind in third Bradley Stevens.
In the women’s race the Richards Bay riders all contended for the top three positions, with Jeanne Grace coming in first in a time of 1h.23, Marriette Elliot 1h.24 and Michelle Young husband Debeer 6 minutes later in 1h30. This is a very competitive section and one to watch in the next race.
The venue at the Mtunzini country Club situated next the Zini River Estate, is the most picturesque in the series with views of the ocean and the coastal forest and is the ideal spot for this type of event with ample parking and facilities. This year for the first time in the series a fully administered Kidzone allowed the parents to ride with the knowledge their kids were safe and once again the Nashua Skydivers entertained the crowd before the start of prize giving.
All in all a wonderful day out for the whole family, thanks go to all the sponsors especially the overall Series sponsors MiWay whose contribution has enabled the Big5 Series to become the prime series in KZN and has enabled the funding of a video production team to film each race in the series, with the eventual aim being to air the each race's footage on the MiWay Mountain Biking show on SuperSport. Go-Boy Productions were out in full force to do just that, and managed to capture the race excitement of the day as well as the festive family atmosphere. The promo video will be on MiWayMTB's YouTube channel for everyone to view!
We also thank our race day sponsor Zini river Estate whose support of this race has been on-going for the past six years.
Welcome to the 2012 MiWay Big 5 Mountain Bike Series
The 2012 Series is almost upon us, for those of you who intend to do the CHALLENGE OF ALL FIVE RACES we trust you’ve been putting in some serious training. The medal awarded at the Gala dinner for those of you who complete all five events is one to be cherished as completing the Challenge is easier said than done. Apart from the time commitments and training schedule, to maintain your fitness levels at a peak for five months is the greatest challenge, remembering of course, that YOUR BEST FOUR TIMES COUNT so if you do miss one race you’re still in the competition.
For those of you who’d like to try just one or two races, no problem, we look forward to you riding in the MiWay Big 5 and hope that you’ll get the taste of the Zululand spirit and be back for more.
Once again the Umfolozi Casinp in Empangeni have kindly sponsored the venue of the fabulous Jabulani Arena for both the Expo and Big 5 Registration on the 12th May and the Gala dinner on the 6th October.
The Expo on the 12th of May is where all rider in the Big 5 Challenge will register with ROAG and receive their goody bags and t-shirts. At the same venue we will again have the latest bikes and Zululand Multi Sport are setting up an Urban track of 5km where you can test that bike out that you’ve always wanted, plus we have a number of stands with outdoor goods, equipment and clothing on display.
All the Big 5 organisers will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have about each of the races and will provide details on accommodation and what to do for the family whilst you’re out enjoying the ride.
The next day, the 13th May the Series begins at the Mtunzini Country Club, late registration without a late entry fee will be accepted at the Expo for this race, but we do advise that you enter on-line with ROAG.
Keep up to date with all the news, results and photos on this website and our Facebook page BIGFIVE MOUNTAINBIKE.
We look forward to seeing you at the series.
The Big 5 Team.
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And Now for 2012!
After an extremely successful year the Big 5 series prepares for the 2012 season with the exciting news that all 2011 sponsors have been confirmed for 2012.
2012 BREAKING NEWS
Race Dates announced
All 2011 Sponsors are confirmed for 2012!
New Management Teams for Zini and Heatonville
RACE DATES
On to 2012, the race dates have been announced, and once again we start with the Expo, Big 5 registration and Time Trial on the 12th May and end with the Gala dinner on the 6th October. The dates have been updated on the website and are on the KZN cycling calendar, start diarizing now.
Outdoor and Fitness Expo 12th May
The Mtunzini Buffalo Classic 13th May
The Leopard Heatonville 24th June
The Rhino Hluhluwe 22nd July
The Hippo Monzi 2nd September
The Lion Kwambo 30th September
Gala dinner 6th October
