Race reports
What is Downhill MTB Racing?
What is Downhill MTB Racing?
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.
Race Format
Riders are shuttled to the top of the course start, where they each leave the start pound at intervals and attempt to reach the finish line as quickly as possible, while staying between the confines of the tape that define the course.
Races usually last 2–5 minutes, and winning margins are often less than a second.
Generally, on the morning or day before the race run, riders participate in a qualifying/practice session where they set a time on the course. The time they can determine their starting order for the race. Depending on the format, riders have a single or double attempt to reach the finish line as fast as possible.
Nature of DHI Course
Technical and steep terrain with minimal pedal sections.
Course should test a riders technical riding ability, and will generally contain jumps, gap jumps, drops, rocks, roots and more features.
Riders must choose their line carefully by considering both the shortest possible line, safest line within their skill level, and the line that can be travelled at the highest speed, while still remaining within the confines of the taped course.
If a rider leaves the course by crossing or breaking the tape, they must return to the course at the point of exit.
Can I ride Downhill MTB?
Downhill is considered the most technical of all MTB racing and requires a high level of skill to compete and a specific type of bike.
Downhill bikes are heavier and stronger than other mountain bikes and feature front and rear suspension, generally with upwards of 160mm of travel, to glide quickly over rocks and tree roots. However, some courses can be conquered on an enduro or trail bike.
Downhill venues are few and far between in KZN, with TownBush Trails (Cascades) being the only true DHI venue and it has hosted UCI World Champs. If you enjoy very technical, fast-paced riding – come and ride a race and try it out!