This year, the mountain bike race of the PPC Kremetart Cycling Race will be hosted in the form of a cross-country Olympic event.

But what is a cross country event?

Cross-country Olympic (XCO) is a popular mountain bike discipline which is the only form of mountain biking that is an Olympic sport.  XCO consists of lap racing around a short circuit containing various obstacles that must be negotiated. Apart from fitness, XCO also requires serious bike-handling skills. 

This year, the Kremetart Mountain Bike XCO will be hosted in the Komatieland Forestry area on 9 June, the day after the big 175km, four-stage road race.

Depending on all the age categories that enter, a total of 12 races will be held on the course. The goal is to complete the required laps in the fastest time possible.

Pre-entries for the MTB XCO are currently open for those interested and will close on 24 May. There will also be time to enter before the race from 06:30 on the day of the race.

For more information readers can log on to www.kremetartcycling.co.za.