8 May 2013

Not many people get an opportunity to compete to be a world champion. Yet that is exactly what's on offer to South African mountain bikers at the UCI Masters MTB World Championships, taking place in Pietermaritzburg from 21 to 25 August.

Simply sign up to take part and take a shot at winning the coveted UCI rainbow- striped jersey. That's the offer!

The Masters World Championship, which was contested in Brazil for the past five years, is an age-group event for the 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 & 70+ age categories for both men and women.

Competition will take place in cross country and downhill events, meaning there are plenty of world champions' jerseys to be won.

Open to all

Unlike world championships in many other sports, the Masters age-group categories are open to anyone who wishes to enter, making August's event a can't- miss opportunity for South Africa's leading age-group mountain bikers.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for South Africans to race at an international level on home soil," said Brett Coates, Cycling South Africa's director of mountain biking.

"It gives a chance to all those riders over-30-year-olds to line up and race against their peers from all over the world. The title of world champion is fought for in one race, but the prestige lasts a lifetime.

"Even though you may not be the fittest rider at the start of the day, some good luck and tactics could see you pulling on that coveted jersey at the end of it," he added.

Two events, one venue

The Masters World Championships precede the UCI MTB and Trials World Championship, which, for the first time ever will follow the age group event at the same venue.

The elite event takes place from 26 August to 1 September. Both events, which will be contested at the Cascades MTB Park, are being held in Africa for the first time.

"It's like being a soccer player and having the great Pele invite you over for a 'kick-about'," Coates said. "It's just something you simply cannot afford to miss.

"We urge everyone to come and support the event and grab this opportunity with both hands.

Weekend warriors

"Riders will get the chance to take part in a truly international event. The 30+ age bracket is primarily made up by the modern day 'weekend warrior', of which we know we have thousands here in South Africa, and it is a great opportunity for our guys to compete against living legends of the sport."

The Masters competition is a chance for local riders to be part of a worldwide cycling phenomenon, much as local road cyclists had a chance to shine in the UCI World Cycling Tour Final in 2012 when seven South Africans claimed gold in their age categories.

SAinfo reporter