According to Spur Group MD, Pierre van Tonder, they were highly impressed by the enthusiasm with which schools and riders rose to the challenge of this year’s exhilarating competition.

“If you considering the massive increase in entries from 1 365 riders and 110 schools last year, to the 2 034 riders from 170 schools this year, we feel that we are definitely achieving our goal of providing a safe, yet competitive racing circuit for young mountainbikers,” says Van Tonder.

“We are particularly excited about the fact that the 2010 Spur High School Mountain Bike League National Finals will form part of the second annual Dirt Festival, hosted by the country’s premier cycling publication Bicycling Magazine. We also value the support of our co-sponsors Falke and Sportsman’s Warehouse, who have assisted us in our efforts of raising the profile of mountain biking, whilst building recognition for this Olympic discipline within the school sport structure,” states Van Tonder.

According to League Administrator, Meurant Botha of Amarider, the non-profit organisation aimed at improving off-road cycling opportunities in Africa, the success of the past season would not have been possible without the effort of the regional organisers, who worked really hard in growing existing events as well as creating new events staged by local clubs across the country between July and September. Out of all the regions, the Anatomic High School MTB series in Gauteng showed the biggest growth, which according to Botha is quite a feat as they already come from a large base. Botha also noted that it was great to see a number of girls taking to the tracks, claiming valuable points for their schools.

“Montana High School in Worcestor has a strong girls’ team, which made the decisive contribution to their standing at the top of the log in the Western Cape. Montana currently leads with a total of 414 points; followed by Paul Roos Gimnasium in second with 228 points; and Parel Vallei High in a close third with 223 points,” says Botha.

Botha also pointed out that in terms of the evolution of the League, all the girls participating, highlights a definite need to separate the Boys; Girls; and Mixed schools in next season’s competition.

Due to the high performance levels of top teams in each region, Spur Steak Ranches has allocated an additional sponsorship to ensure that these teams have the financial support to participate in the finals. Not only does their participation add competitive value to the finals, but it also aids the overall vision of the Spur School Mountainbike League. The regions that took part in the 2010 series include: Free State; Mpumalanga; KwaZulu-Natal; Gauteng; Western Cape; Southern Cape; Eastern Cape; and North West Province.

“The caliber of young, upcoming high school mountainbikers, who have been competing during this past season, will definitely ensure a riveting final for spectators. To even the playing field, points that were accumulated during the season will be scratched and all teams will compete from a zero base and only the top six riders’ points will count. Schools are however not limited in terms of the number of entries,” concludes Botha.

The lap distance for the finals will be approximately 5km and the laps will vary according to the age category. Registration starts at 09h30 and the entry fee is R50 for all categories, which include the following:

* Sub-Junior Boys (13-14) - 3 laps / start at 11:00

* Sub-Junior Girls (13-14) - 2 laps / start at 11:05

* Youth Boys (15-16) - 4 Laps / start at 11:20

* Youth Girls (15-16) - 3 Laps / start at 11:25

* Junior Boys (17-18) - 5 Laps / start at 11:40

* Junior Girls (17-18) - 4 Laps /start at 11:45

For more information; league calendar; and results, visit www.spur.co.za/mtb or contact Amarider on 021 884 4752.