BCA introduces new Mountain Bike Cross Country format
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday August 18, 2026 10:10
The association has been using the cross country marathon covering a distance of 60 kilometres, which cyclists were used to. BCA president, Kagiso Potongwane told Sport Monitor that the new format is a short distance covering six kilometres, being a single lap but different categories do different number of laps.
He explained that it is a new format meant to expose riders to different disciplines of cross country so that they are used to them when they get opportunities to compete at continental or world championships.
“There is also Mountain Bike short circuit, which we will introduce next year, it is much shorter covering two kilometres. We did not manage to do the six kilometres due to the terrain that we have. We ended up having a distance of 15km, which is beyond the Union Cycling International (UCI) standards but federations are given flexibility as long as you can explain why,” Potongwane said.
“We made it tough, with Olympic and Short Circuit you have to make it tough because that we wanted it to be an issue of endurance and technique. We had an issue with low attendance, we also do road racing, which attracts high numbers but cross country is technical hence low number of cyclists.”
Potongwane revealed that they also introduced the Under 13 category as a way to do grassroots development. He said as UCI standard, all member federations should host national championships and submit results for world rankings and assist UCI develop cycling around the world.
Meanwhile, the winner of the elite men, 45km, Gontse Lethokwe of team Khoemacau in 2:12.39 said the route was perfect and he has been dominating the category for 12 years. He explained that he knew how to attack the route and his body reacted the way he wanted.
“What motivates me is that I am always competing in tougher races in South Africa, coming home and riding is a simple thing and I do not think there anybody locally who can challenge me. As things stand, I will continue as the national champion,” he added.
The second position was claimed by Lebopo Mompe of Tsela Riders in 2:23.53 while Thuli Johnson settled for position three stopping the clock at 3:17.57.
The Under 23 men 45km champion, Rebaone Khunofu who registered a time of 2:12.51 said the race was tough and there is a room for improvement more especially in the first lap. “I managed to stick with Lothokwe, I had a crush, but managed to catch up with him and did a sprint finish with him. “For the rest of the year, I will do any other race coming up like Morupule Cycling Challenge and go back to compete in Eswatini,” Khunofu said.
The Under 23 45km second position was won by Mabaki Mathumo in 2:30.01 and the third spot went to Carlyn Watson-Ben in 2:49.11.
Simphiwe Potongwane (Tsela Riders) is the Junior Men 30km champion after finishing in 1:35.16 while Thuto Phaladze in 1:37.00 and Ted Makgetho settled for the third position in 1:42.28. Potongwana said the race was tough, he fell twice but managed to push on.
Myra Mantle won the Under 23 women’s 30km in 1:50.41 followed by Ryana Kenaope in 1:57.18. Mantle told Sport Monitor said she enjoyed the course, it was technical, full of rocks and there no time to ride fast.
“I have been riding with Kenaope for eight years, she is good in road race but I own Mountain Bike. It is always exciting when we meet because of what each of us brings to a race,” Mantle said.