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.

The new Mazda Number boards will not be completed in time for the Mazda MTN Mountain bike Marathon National - Barberton! You will be able to use your 2007 Mazda Number boards for this race only. Riders who do not have boards or boards from last year will be given boards for the race (boards must be given back after the race)

Following a very successful seven-year partnership, Mazda has reluctantly ended its sponsorship of South Africa’s National Mountain Bike Series, with 2008 being it’s final year as title sponsor.

Back in 2001, Mazda was the first all-terrain vehicle brand to see the potential in the mountain biking market when it threw its support behind the inaugural Mazda ‘Drifter’ Series, which essentially created a series out of the six premier marathon-distance races at the time. Mazda was also the first major corporate brand to associate with mountain biking in South Africa, which at the time, was fumbling along in a fragmented state in the shadow of road racing, a cycling discipline that was beginning to boom.

The Hilton 50 Miler plays host to Mazda MTN National Marathon Series on the 9th November at Grace College, Hilton. Just 10kms from Pietermaritzburg where the UCI World MTB Champs will be held in April next year.

The 78km Marathon covers 14 land owners including the well known Voigt Timbers, Otto’s Bluff and Hilton College. The course has a lot to offer all riders as the terrain and riding conditions are so diverse that every need is catered for. Very few rides in South Africa will provide similar views as are on offer here.