Course Preview: DH Track Pietermaritzburg

Aug 12, 2013
by Karl Burkat  


Posted In:
Racing and Events


Author Info:
karl-burkat avatar

Member since Jan 1, 2000
600 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
First Ride: Fox Releases New Grip X & Grip X2 Dampers
77331 views
First Ride: Rocky Mountain's 2024 Altitude Has a Completely Revised Frame Design
76430 views
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
69906 views
How to Watch the 2024 Mountain Bike World Cup [Update: Staylive Offering Access in New Zealand, South Africa & More]
59317 views
First Ride: The 2024 Giant Trance X Advanced
49421 views
First Ride: Forbidden Dreadnought V2 - More Travel & Longer Chainstays
46454 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
39653 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
37126 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

123 Comments
  • 47 17
 Of course, pretty much any DH course is fun as hell to ride.

But does this really seem like one of the top seven tracks on the planet for a race to be held? The UCI should be picking better venues than this to showcase the sport and provide a good show for fans.
  • 18 26
flag proDHracer (Aug 12, 2013 at 5:16) (Below Threshold)
 Thank you for having your head screwed on straight sir
  • 43 4
 The Idea, is not to pick a great track, that might be just gnarly and tech to ride - well, then lets just stay in Europe. This is in Africa - South Africa, and it is what the terrain has to offer in that part of the world. A Pro is a Pro on any given course - Minnaar wins on other places - Gwin won here and on a few other places as well. You can have favorites, but this is the course - Maybe Tiger Woods has a favorit golf course, and one he can't stand, but I bet he can win on both. It's true of any Pro. MX/auto - anything.
  • 24 1
 I don't understand how people can say on here that the track looks boring or a shitstain or whatever just because you saw it on a helmet cam. cameras never a true indication of speed, steepness, height etc.
  • 9 4
 because people know that pietermaritzburg is ALWAYS a pedal fest. I know pros have to bit fit, have to excell on any course etc. but (at least from my point of view) DH is about bike handling. I personally reckon any world cup level track that has areas where you can pedal for any more than about 3 seconds straight...well, theres room for a rock garden or a jump or something in that space....
  • 10 2
 Alex, many of us are very familiar with what pietermaritzburg looks like and what the DH course is like. Our opinions aren't based upon only upon this video. Personally, I would prefer a venue with massive scenic mountains covered with trees, rocks and roots. I would prefer a venue that emphasizes skill over pedaling endurance. This is just my a personal opinion and preference. However it seems that many riders and fans feel the same way. Imagine if the winter Olympics were held in a flat country and the DH ski events were done on a small hill which required pushing with XC ski poles... There would still be interesting and competitive events, but it isn't what I would like to watch.
  • 6 1
 There are certainly different types of DH tracks out there, and being able to master them all is certainly the mark of a top professional. But to the same point as a few above have made, this track has ALOT of pedaling. And at which point does that amount of pedaling take away from the 'downhill' nature. Last year I remember reading that one rider, I think Mik Hannah, said that if you didn't ride a dropper post it would likely cost you 8-10 seconds. Could that be a signal that the track has too much pedaling?
  • 6 2
 Agreed! Looks like a big ass bmx track with some XC pedalling and huck tactic features. Grrrrrrrrrrr
  • 3 0
 It had some really fun looking zones, then tone of straight pedal zones with massive tables. I like it. every track is different. And as Gee is the fittest on the circuit, he's gonna smoke em out again.
  • 2 0
 Downhill skiing with XC poles hahaha, I totally get that- good analogy. You can skate with 210mm downhill skis, but it SUCKS! and you can pedal for a 1/2 mile flat on a DH bike with 210mm of travel and yup, it sucks. It would be interesting to see a top rider on a 160mm bike see how much faster they could pedal it... But, modern DH bikes (especially light carbon ones...) pedal damn well especially once you dial in a ton of LSC, and at those speeds with a few of those massive gaps I still think a DH bike is probably the best tool for the job. The amount of travel any rider ACTUALLY needs has way more to do with how fast they go and how aggressively they ride a trail relative to their skill level, than the trail itself....
  • 4 0
 It looks like a fast track, get some speed up, big jumps. Just what spectators want to see. Minnaar is going to kill it!
  • 1 0
 what was your last time on this track, dfiler? Have you ever been to Pmb? Can you ride a bike like a pro or do you prefer to do sport from the comfort of your couch?
Any pro can and will compete on any course will give his best - not only that he will probably have lots of fun too.
  • 1 0
 yeah, they can and will compete. also in years past they have complained alot about how boring the track is to ride. how its not really a test of their bike handling skills, how they ought to be wearing lycra and using dropper posts and how its not how they envision our sport....and thats the pros talking, not me.
  • 1 0
 where could be gnarlier to have a dh world cup than sa?
  • 33 0
 "Jumping over a car, pretty cool" haha
  • 10 0
 i loved how you could hear when he was braking haha
  • 4 0
 loving all the hits!!
  • 5 0
 I was surprised how big they got along the roads, had my jaw dropped.
  • 14 7
 this is shit. WE WANT CLAUDIO!!!!!!
  • 11 3
 that's true, where's Claudio ?
  • 7 0
 I was waiting a lion to run across in front of him
  • 5 1
 This is a very early preview. The race isn't got a few weeks. Claudio is the Scott team manager. He won't be out there until the team heads out there for the race. I'm sure he'll do a preview then.
  • 2 1
 were is this?
  • 2 2
 Africa
  • 1 0
 Where is my favourite italian Claudio. Not the same without him.
  • 31 4
 Must be running Avid brakes.... Damn that course looks fun!!
  • 2 10
flag thepwnstar39 (Aug 12, 2013 at 7:47) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah I couldn't watch the video because of that shit, someone needs to clean their rotors/pads!
  • 8 0
 I'm pretty sure he is on a set of Formulas. The upside is you can get an idea of where the braking points are.
  • 7 0
 In a separate review he said he put oil on his brakes so you could hear the braking points.
  • 2 3
 and in the proccess ruined his pads.
  • 28 6
 Is that a DH or Freeride track? Its really not comparable to Fort Bill or Vallnord.
  • 30 13
 Think that track looks epic, how on earth is it comparable to a shitstain, it's good to have something different to the norm!
  • 11 36
flag proDHracer (Aug 12, 2013 at 4:41) (Below Threshold)
 If you want something off the norm you can go watch the slopestyle guys. What we certainly dont want to see is racers starting to wear skinny jeans and skid lids.
  • 9 3
 Ya but dirt jumpers don't pedal and your top comment complains about having to pedal too much. Make up your f*cking mind lol.
  • 7 25
flag proDHracer (Aug 12, 2013 at 4:50) (Below Threshold)
 i dont see why making up my mind would make a difference as both things are something to complain about. Just listen to the riders themselves complain about mt ste anne (one of the roughest tracks) being dumbed down by some flattening. luckily the rain came in to make things better.
  • 15 5
 digging yourself a hole mate
  • 11 1
 I kinda agree with proDHracer , it's not a world class DH track and that is plain to see , far to straight and pedally , but where the track does shine is with the insane speeds and huge jumps .

Any Dh track that warrants a dropper seat post is obviously missing some thing... ( or has too much of some thing else )
  • 5 1
 The course looks like an air dh course apart from the woods where plenty of riders are bound to clip those trees
  • 18 1
 Lets be honest it looks fun to ride and that's the main thing, it will be fun to watch as well especially with the road gap and other drops
  • 16 1
 Brendog will love it Big Grin
  • 4 1
 Brendog doesn't like to pedal so he probably won't.
  • 2 0
 I think hes only in as a reserve for the british team. its not the treck that suits him the most anyways
  • 14 1
 Im sure we will see some 27.5 prototypes for this track
  • 11 1
 Every year many people expect to see riders on 6 inch travel bikes on this track (because of all the peddling and apparent lack of technical sections) and to date no-one has ever raced a world cup in anything less than a full DH bike on this track.

Maybe that's because they still think they'll be faster with 8 inches of travel. It must be at least a little technical then?
  • 7 1
 Much as I am looking forward to my home country WC race, that course does not fill me with excitement. Too many jumps, not enough corners and rock gardens. Then again, each WC course is different and the race will be good - may the fittest Saffer win!
  • 9 3
 So while all of the world moans and argues over the Maritzburg course, I was sessioning and enjoying the outdoors.
stop moaning, every track is a challenge, as someone said before, to be a pro you have to adapt and learn
thats why its worlds not the "andorra cup" or "VDS Champs' its worlds!!! every year a different challenge awaits
and beside how hell boring would DH be if all the tracks where the same?
  • 6 0
 People are offering their opinions on what kind of racing they would like to see. The alternative is to have no discussion or analysis of what DH courses should look like. Personally, I'm glad that pink bike readers take an interest in what venues are picked for the UCI series.
  • 5 0
 Look at all the tree's around the pedally section, those weren't there last year, looks good! As someone who has been to the track, it is a pedally track located on a Hill not a Mountain, I don't think it's a legitimate downhill track, I don't think it embodies what downhill is all about, tracks like Val Di Sole and Champery is what this sport is about. Downhill isn't Enduro and it shouldn't be treated as such, if your country doesn't have the capabilities to host a sporting event that caters to the outline of the actual sport, don't force it. I don't see any Surfing events being held in Russia, nor do I see any Snowboarding events held in South Africa. For the love of god, have a World Cup in New Zealand, these UCI squids are incredibly oblivious to the capabilities of that 1 country.
  • 1 0
 I agree with everything you said about the PMB track. As for other potential locations, one consideration that people often overlook is costs for the teams. While there are some big named companies behind some teams, it costs a fortune to send race teams and support all over the world. It's not like a skier or snowboarder who gets in a plane with their gear bag. Mountain bikes are a huge operation. That's why they tend to concentrate things in Europe a little, schedule Saint Anne and Windham back to back the week before crankworx etc. They could find the most badass tracks in the world, but it would be a waste if the teams couldn't afford to send a full field or riders.
  • 3 0
 Sorry mate, I don't buy that, also what you said contradicts itself. All of the richest UCI DH teams are based in Europe, so why base it out of there and make all the poorer teams travel all the way around the world? Teams can complain about not being able to bring a 'full pit' overseas, but the honest truth is those semi-truck pieces of shit are over-kill and not necessary for a f*cking mountain bike race. The UCI follows the money... who is willing to pay more to the UCI to have a world cup, wins. So who will win that bout, a track in New Zealand that nobodies ever heard of or a Mountain Bike Park? The UCI has it's intentions all warped, they're making the world cup a profit filled business for there own needs and not focusing it on the sport of Downhill.
  • 1 0
 Liam, the only problem with your argument about the UCI following the money is that its not true. Pinkbike had an article about the process back in the spring and its not a monetary bidding process where the highest bidder wins.

www.pinkbike.com/news/Analysis-2014-UCI-Mountain-Bike-World-Cup-Bidding-Guide.html
  • 8 0
 imho Claudio Caluori fits better in this job..
  • 5 0
 You're going to need some strong legs, Track does look amazing to ride though.
  • 4 0
 not sure if serious! sam hill must put clips on for this race if he wants to win!
  • 1 0
 Sam has been practising with clips all year (away from DH)
  • 2 0
 hmm yeh but still wont be as quick as he is normally!
  • 4 0
 I bet Jared Graves on his enduro-bike would be in top 5 on this physical/4x-look track
  • 1 0
 I told ya Wink
  • 4 2
 I would have started over after my brakes barked 2 seconds in. How embarassing. ....another imba certified flow trail. Looks fun, and spectator friendly. A lil too many double track frwys!
  • 8 1
 someone above said the guy put oil to make his brakes squeal for the purpose of highlighting the braking zones for this track. meanwhile, you are a dick.
  • 7 4
 Seems somebody will be 2013 dh world champ on a 29" hardtail with aero bars...lets keep dh as steep and raw as possible please
  • 1 3
 thank you, it looks ike being spanish helps
  • 2 0
 Wouldn't be suprised to see some racers on agressive all-mountain bikes seeing how pedally and untechnical it is. Still looks like an entertaining course, pretty massive gaps there.
  • 3 0
 650b trail bikes will dominate, add a 4x/Enduro pro like Graves into the mix and we're in with a real shot of bringing this baby back to Aus!
  • 2 0
 Top and bottom looks good! Should be a good race. As for people complaining about pedalling, bikes have pedals, that's what they're for! A pro should be able to race on any course.
  • 3 0
 The upper part of the track looks like a hometrail and not a world cup track...
  • 4 0
 Step 1. Pedal. Step 2. Tuck. Step 3. Tuck and pedal.
  • 1 0
 jumps are cool, and alot of trees to dodge so could see a few crashes. track is rather flat and looked really unclear of the route looks like two tracks and riding bits of both. but i guess its unfinished.
  • 1 0
 If wasant the milions of jumps what would be this "track"??? An enduro track????? South african confederation must eat some UCI asses to do a WC on such a shity boring pedaly track...
  • 2 0
 I think he watched the latest Anthill video a few too many times "little drop here...not bad. Another drop here...not bad"
  • 3 0
 stevie smith on a Dixon for the win!
  • 6 3
 Looks good to me. The fastest guy will win here too.
  • 3 0
 Did he say COMEING INTO BUM HOLE :-)
  • 3 0
 Sorry that ROB WARNER vid rubbed off on me lol
  • 7 0
 Be careful rubbing yourself with Rob Warner vids.
  • 3 0
 sort your brakes out mate
  • 3 1
 Srubs, whips, and style all day long on this course! Going to be fun to watch!
  • 1 0
 Andorra had 2 man made jumps and tons of tecnical jumps and this shity motocross track have 100??? Downhill is motocross or downhill???
  • 3 1
 love this track! many big jump, air DH ^^
  • 32 33
 It seems like nonsense to me to make this shitstain of a track the world champs when there are sooo many superb places on the southern hemisphere!! It should be about technical bike skills not about who can pedal more!!
  • 8 4
 Not super technical at that speed, but those are MASSIVE gaps. He was in the air for a long time on some of those. If you were going your fastest, things would probably be a different story.
  • 11 2
 yeah thats called dirt jumping and its a whole different game
  • 5 1
 One of my favourate races to watch, lots of unique little features. From memory most of the riders think its 2 good DH tracks, with a 30 second pedal separating them.
  • 6 2
 proDHracer, have you raced this track? What makes you an expert?
  • 8 8
 Couldn't agree more - absolute rubbish excuse for a DH track.
  • 8 11
 No, i havent, and i know helmet cams dont do perfect justice to tracks but even if you cant see its steepness you can tell that it doesnt even compare to vds or ft bill, not to mention andorra in terms of challenging riders with technical terrain. I'm sure its a blast to ride and get some massive airtime as well as easier to get spectators to like it but still, look at how many pros have said that the track doesnt suit them. that cant be good.
  • 3 0
 No arguing that Andorra was absolutely genuine.
  • 9 5
 Yep. See, there you could say it was missing a couple big airs, but it was still more physical than a pedally track and took riders to their absolute limits skillwise
  • 2 1
 Peitermariztberg has always been that one odd track that's filled with massive jumps. But the same could be said for msa, especially this year. Not crazy tech but high speed. I prefer tracks like vallnord and val di sole but this is what south africa has to work with.
  • 3 0
 yeah, but the difference is at MSA you don't really pedal that much as all the straights are so steep. Pedalling should be to get a little speed boost where you can fit one in, not to actually propel you to the next interesting bit of track, thats called xc.
  • 6 5
 God forbid these guys have to pedal! Their on bicycles! Cant turn your wrist down to go faster.
  • 3 0
 God forbid they have to actually ride some challenging terrain. As I said this is downhill not xc. Its about bike handling, not just who can spin their legs the fastest for longest. If they have time to pedal then the track isn't challenging enough. Simple
  • 4 3
 everybody that is hating probably would not even be able to ride this track well, so shut the hell up!
  • 5 1
 Maybe because most of the comments are from downhillers, not freeriders
  • 3 0
 there was 35 jumps
  • 4 2
 Don't really rate Pietermaritzburg as a world cup track myself.
  • 2 1
 Man, I wanted to give you an upvote but I pushed the wrong colour. I'm dumb as fuck. Anyway, yeah, me neither. Seems a very overrated track. If you remove the tables you can do this track with an enduro bike and 160-180mm.
  • 2 1
 That track is sic, but they could have squeezed in at least 8 more tabletops. Can't wait.
  • 1 0
 Trail Bikes gonna win this one!!!! Race the Genius LT Brendog and you can win!!!
  • 3 1
 2013 DH World Champ: Brandon Semenuk...
  • 2 0
 very important the fitness
  • 1 0
 watching his shadow just after the two minute mark was pretty cool
  • 2 0
 Damn those brakes
  • 1 0
 looks like a good track, would love to go there
  • 2 0
 My lord
  • 2 1
 That is one physical bitch right there.... love it
  • 2 1
 Does anyone know when the worldchamps is ???????
  • 2 1
 Race day is Sunday, 1 September.

All the info is here: www.mtbworldchamps.co.za
  • 2 1
 Thanks for thee info bro! Much apprciation!
  • 2 1
 Live webcast????? Sure as hell hope so .
  • 2 0
 Bring back Claudio
  • 1 0
 That track looks soooooo fun to ride!
  • 1 0
 I prefer Claudio's previews
  • 2 1
 This looks soooooo fun!!!!
  • 2 1
 at 3.27 he says bum hole!!!!!
  • 2 0
 no claudio Frown
  • 1 0
 So many trees!!
  • 1 0
 Looks fun
  • 2 2
 A few jumps then
  • 2 3
 That roller coaster looks awesome!
  • 3 4
 I think I may have to move to South Africa....
  • 2 3
 Brendan with the win =P
  • 2 3
 that's gnarcore!!







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.047351
Mobile Version of Website