Race Report: KZN Provincial DHI Round 2 - Gibaland

12th May 2024 saw the second round of the Greg Minnaar Cycles - KZN & Gauteng Gravity Provincial Downhill MTB Series hosted by GibaLand in Pinetown, South Africa.

With the welcome cooler temperatures on race day, riders began to gather early at Gibaland to compete on the fan favourite track Eye-Fuzzler, known for its dry and loose corners that left no room for error! The evenings light rain helped to settle some of the dust from the weeks scorching temperatures and baking sun.

Youth rider Vaughn Preston sending Fuzz 1 in the final race run.

Riders shuttled up to the start gate for practice runs, and the energy and excitement in the air was palpable! One by one, the riders launched themselves down the trail, each one trying to perfect their lines and shave precious seconds off their time before attacking the two race runs.

Live Life rider, and runner up overall, Elite, Liam Hall

As the race went on, spectators gathered towards the bottom of the trail near “Monster” cheering on the riders as they came hurtling down the final drops and jumps towards Monster Jump. Competitors put on a show for the spectators, scrubbing and launching their way into the final 100m of the track.

Sending it on "Monster" for the crowds

When the dust had finally settled and the last rider had made it safely down the hill, it was a KZN and Giba favourite Nate Hall, beating his brother Liam Hall taking the win. Gauteng’s Luke Kirk put down a sterling run, earning him the third spot.


1st NATE HALL 1:38.99
2nd LIAM HALL 1:40.06
3rd LUKE KIRK 1:43.60
4th MATT ARMSTRONG 1:44.45
5th TROY COLE 1:46.32

In the Women's Race, KZN rider Leah Mitchell slid into the top spot, over Giba local Jade Davies.


1st LEAH MITCHELL 2:22.22
2nd JADE DAVIES 2:27.31

Race stories echoed through the crowded restaurant – and despite the small field, everyone had pushed themselves to their limits, and even those who didn't make it to the podium could be proud of their efforts. A huge thank you to the riders, spectators, and sponsors for pulling off an incredible event!

Full Results:http://www.elitetiming.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Results.xlsx

Photography: Chris Taylor Media

SERIES SPONSORS: GREG MINNAAR CYCLES | DIALLED DISTRIBUTORS | LEATT | ONE UP COMPONENTS | DIRTSCHOOL MTB SKILLS | GIBA STORAGE

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