The MAZDA MTN MAZDA MTN NATIONAL XCO (Cross-Country) Series culminated in a spectacular show this weekend when Team Garmin-DCM's Marc Bassingthwaighte ran out victorious.

Mpumalanga set the stage for the 2008 showdown and the spectacular new venue, the Mankele Mountain Bike Park, close to the Sudwala caves, gave the event that something extra.

In addition the setting, the presence of world class mountain biker Burry Stander (MR Price GT) meant that an action-packed race was on the cards. Stander was in fine form and delivered a superb performance to claim the day’s race.

Hi all! This weekend I raced the 5th SA Cross Country Cup at Mankele, which is just outside of Nelspruit. Unfortunately I had to write tests on Friday and thus werenʼt able to train the course as I only arrived there on Friday evening. But I managed to slip in one lap early the next morning, which at least gave me an idea of what was coming..

On the start line I was amazed at the poor turnout, as quite a few top riders was noticeably not there, Kevin Evans; Johan v Zyl; Mannie Heymans; Brandon Steward; JP Pearton and a few more, although the race favorite Burry Stander was there.

Mpumalanga delivered the 2008 Mazda MTN National series champion on Saturday in a big showdown at the spectacular new venue close to the Sudwala caves. The Mankele Mountain Bike park presented an adrenaline fuelled event that pulled the crowds with the action packed racing as well as top local band Prime Circle.

The presence of world class mountain biker Burry Stander (MR Price GT) caused quite a stir and even though he won the race it was Marc Bassingthwaighte from Garmin DCM laid claim to the Mazda MTN National series title. Bassingthwaighte lead the points standings going onto the race and opted to rather consolidate and not risk losing the series by crashing out or not finishing.

Burry Stander and Yolande Speedy showed why they’re the two mountain bikers chosen to represent South Africa at the Beijing Olympic Games when they recorded dominant victories at the final round of the Mazda MTN National Cross-Country Series at Mankele, Nelspruit at the weekend.

Stander (Mr Price GT), the current national and African champion, appeared to be on a different level to his rivals as he carved his way smoothly around the tough, technical course, leading from the end of the first of six laps and posting a fast time of 02hr06min37sec. Namibia’s Marc Bassingthwaighte (Garmin DCM) finished second with Renay Goustra (Mongoose Red) rounding out the podium in the Pro-Elite Men’s category.