New committee. New organisers. New ideas — and it showed.
One of the biggest changes came in lap design. Where riders were once pushed through punishing 80km loops, the new format brought it down to around 30km. The result? A smarter race, better flow, and a far stronger atmosphere.
With riders passing through more frequently, the paddock came alive. Spectators stayed engaged, the pitlane had real energy with DJs, food stalls, and even a jumping castle — and riders felt the difference with constant support and cheering throughout the day.
Entries came in strong at around 78 riders, with feedback on the new format overwhelmingly positive.
Out on track, conditions were anything but easy. Fast, hard, and relentlessly rocky terrain meant there was no single “perfect tyre” — only the right choice for the job. Even so, Pirelli proved its pedigree, securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Open Regional Class.
What the Top Riders Ran:
- 1st | Wade Roger-Lund – XC Mid Hard, still holding strong after 200km of flat-out racing on brutal terrain
- 2nd | David Goosens – XC Mid Soft, already with 5 hours on it before the event — and still delivering
-
3rd | AJ Louw – XC Mid Hard rear paired with a new MX32 front
(Notably, both 2nd and 3rd place riders praised the MX32 Mid Soft front for its feel and control.)
A fresh approach, a better race experience, and results where it counts — WCOC Round 1 set the tone for a season that looks anything but ordinary.
