Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series: All set for a Bigger & More Refined 2025 Season

The 2025 edition of the biggest schools cycling series in South Africa, the Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series, will launch later this month. More than 2 000 young mountain bike racers will contest nine rounds of thrilling bar-to-bar lap racing in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal, with a National Final in early October to determine the best riders and top provinces.

Launched in 2022, the Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series has enjoyed significant growth in its first three years. From 600 racers in 2022 to 1 893 in 2024 – a 285% increase. With as many as 100 schools expected to contest the fourth season, the 2025 Cycle Lab Schools MTB  Series looks set to enjoy even further growth and cement its status as the essential foundation for the sport.

The Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series will be bigger and more refined in 2025.

The fourth year of the Cycle Lab Schools MTB  Series will incorporate new venues that are both more challenging from a race course perspective and better able to accommodate large numbers of supporters and spectators.

“We are getting around 3 000 spectators/supporters per event in Gauteng and around 2 000 per event in KwaZulu-Natal. Our venue selection and race village experience are designed to cater appropriately for these numbers,” said Taryn Henstock, Head of Marketing for Cycle Lab.

Nearly 100 schools are expected to take part in the series in 2025.

“Each year our quest remains consistent – deliver a series of slick, safe, high-quality events that are challenging, rewarding and fun. But with each season, we are always looking for ways to refine the experience of both the participants and the supporters, who are mostly family members. If a morning of mountain bike racing is enjoyable for all, they’ll be keen to return,” she added.

“We are equally proud of all our riders in the Cycle Lab Schools MTB  Series, but we are especially pleased to have carved a safe space for girls to grow within the sport of mountain biking. From 123 girls in 2022 to 472 girls in 2024. That’s 284% growth, which is around 30% of the total entries, firmly above the female participation standard in South African mountain bike events, which ranges from 14-20%,” explained Henstock.

Round 1, of the Gauteng Series, will take place at Riversands Farm Village, just north of Johannesburg on 31 May.

The 2025 Gauteng season will open with Round 1 at Riversands Farm Village, just north of Johannesburg on 31 May. It then moves to John Vorster Technical High on 21 June before visiting another new venue, Eye of Africa, south of Johannesburg on 16 August. Round 4 is at Steyn City School on 30 August before the final round visits Monument High on the West Rand for the first time on 13 September.

In 2023, Cycle Lab expanded its support to an existing school’s series in KwaZulu-Natal but took on the title role in 2024 with significant investment. That will continue this year and the KZN Cycle Lab Schools MTB  Series for 2025 will have four rounds and incorporates both High Schools and Primary Schools. It kicks off at Waterfall College on 27 July and then moves to Maritzburg College on 10 August. Round 3 will be at Umhlali Prep on 24 August with the final round at Howick High on 7 September.

Expect highly competitive racing as the next generation of MTB talent race for series honours.

The Cycle Lab National  Final  of the Cycle Lab Schools MTB  Series will be held at Michaelhouse in the KZN Midlands on 4 and 5 October, pitting schools up against each other on Day 1 and then a provincial team contest on Day 2. Schools Cycling and the provincial cycling bodies will select teams from outside Gauteng and KZN to compete at this prestigious showpiece event.

This dynamic growth wouldn’t be possible without the committed support of a remarkable group of partners. Cycle Lab leads the way as title sponsor, backed by high-impact brands that believe in the power of sport to shape futures:

• Ford Motor Vehicles – Official Mobility Partner
• Ciovita – Official Apparel Partner
• Biogen – Official Sports Nutrition Partner
• MyCycleLife – Lifestyle Rewards Partner
• Orbea and Silverback – Official Bicycle Partners
• SuperSport – Media Partner
• Schools Cycling & Cycling South Africa – Governance & Support Partners

Ciovita Leaders’ Jerseys will identify the Cycle Lab Schools MTB Series leaders after the first round of racing action.

For more information on the 2025 Cycle Lab Schools MTB  Series, visit the website: cyclelabmtbseries.co.za.