MTN Barberton Kicks Off SA National MTB Series

The MTN Barberton Mountain Bike event, which takes place on Saturday 28^th January, can probably claim to be the only event most likely to get South African riders hooked on challenging nature's obstacles on their bikes. 

Since the inception of the national marathon series in 2001, the MTN Barberton event is the only race in which more than 70% of South African mountain bikers have competed in the event at least once. 

Passionate event organisers Fritz Pienaar and Wessel van der Walt go out of their way to ensure that riders are not disappointed after having competed in one of the MTN Marathon or Nissan half-marathon races, as well as providing the riders with unique challenges at every event. 

When it comes to the single-track sections, their motto has always been ‘more is better’ and has resulted in the growing popularity of the MTN Barberton marathon. 

All riders, whether competing in the 120km, 70km and 40km races, get the opportunity to race through the Mountainlands Nature Reserve, which provides 14 river crossings in one race.  Not only is it one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in South Africa, but it also has some of the most exciting single and jeep track trails. 

Established in 2000, the Reserve derives its name from the geological reference to Barberton Mountain Land. It is at the core of a new World Heritage Site and central to the Archaean Greenstone Belt in which some of the oldest preserved rocks and earliest forms of life on Earth can be found. 

“The 2012 MTN MTB Marathon series promises to be yet another riveting experience for the riders who will be participating on the 28^th January and throughout the year,” says Desiree Pooe, Senior Manager: Sponsorship and Events at MTN SA.  “MTN is optimistic that the Barberton race will give riders an exciting start to the season and showcase MTN’s commitment towards the promotion of mountain biking as an endurance sport.” 

For full results and more info visit www.advendurance.com.