South African mountain biking trends show shift toward technical racing

South African mountain biking is seeing a shift in participation trends. While the country has a long-standing tradition of endurance-based racing, such as marathons and stage races, new data indicates a growing interest in faster, more technical disciplines.

A survey by TREAD Media, presented by Garmin, highlights these evolving preferences. While marathon and half-marathon events remain popular, there is increasing engagement in categories like cross-country (XCO) and enduro, which attract a different demographic of riders compared to traditional long-distance endurance events.

In the realm of specific events, the Hollywoodbets Rhino Ride in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Zululand, offers a unique experience by combining challenging mountain bike trails through Big Five territory with a wilderness-focused weekend. The event features varied terrain and emphasizes the connection between riders and the natural environment.