Novice and experienced mountain bikers will compete in a new five-stage championship across the island from February to November 2020. A competition that is sure to appeal to enthusiasts!

More than a championship, a first in mountain biking

Do you have the endurance, speed and tactical acumen required for mountain biking? These are essential qualities to take part in the MTB Moka Rangers League 2020. The rider with the most points over the year – according to a system introduced by Moka Rangers Sports Club to reward the consistency and versatility of participants – will be crowned champion. “This championship will help nurture new talent who will sport our natural colours on the international stage,” says Shyama Soondur, Corporate Communications Manager of the league’s main sponsor, the ENL Group. Riders from the age of 15 can enter the competition.

The MTB Moka Rangers League was established to promote mountain biking in Mauritius. “This league is intended for the constantly increasing number of people engrossed in this sport. Through the MTB Moka Rangers League 2020, a variety of routes will provide them with the challenges they crave,” says Yannick Lincoln, who is in charge of mountain biking at Moka Rangers Sports Club. Let’s find out more about these events.

A promising programme

The league kicked off on Saturday 1 February with the Heritage 100km Classic in Beau Champs, a race that required a certain amount of physical endurance. The next stage, the XCO on 4 April at the Moka Bike Park should be more technical. The most original race – and arguably the most anticipated on! – is the XCE City Race. This unprecedented event will take place in an urban setting at dusk on 6 June. “The event will comprise very short, two-minute series. Riders will have to qualify through each round to reach the final for their respective category,” says Yannick Lincoln.

The next event in line will be the Velogic Ultra Challenge on 12 September at Heritage Bel Ombre, a superb 2,500-hectare verdant estate in the pristine south of the island. A 60km race with elevation gain awaits riders – real challenge! The final race will take the form of a “mini tour” on 28 and 29 November at Avalon and Gros Bois respectively, and participants will ride along trails that have never been explored during competitive events.

“Each race has a charm of its own and is quite different from the others. We hope that all of them will be successful and put a lot of emphasis on the routes to allow participants to enjoy the experience to the fullest,” says Aurélie Halbwachs, who is also responsible for cycling at Moka Rangers Sports Club.