The event has become an annual fixture on the cycling calendar, however, this year the nationals promise to be bigger and better.

More than 300 mountain bikers have entered this year's event as they target national honours.

The President of Free State Cycling, Jarques Koekemoer, told OFM Sport that the skill of the riders is something to be witnessed.

“This is something new - it's a combination between cycling and motocross, if you want to call it that.

“Cross-country is very technical and you will be amazed with the skillset that these cyclists have from a young age all the way up to the elites.

“We even have a grandmaster that will be cycling in the SA championships. That is a 60+ category, so it will be amazing.”

The organisers don’t expect the weather to be a factor this weekend either. Last week the course at Happy Valley was closed due to the unexpected rain, but this was purely in order to preserve the track ahead of this weekend's championship.

The tracks are revamped and in pristine condition which will be conducive to fast racing.

Koekemoer added that they will race come rain or sunshine.

“We are very fortunate that we have qualified commissaires from Cycling South Africa that will ascertain the risk for the riders.

“Our first priority is always to make sure that every rider is safe. It's very seldom that a race will be stopped because of rain. It is mountain biking and these riders have fantastic skills.

“The only high-risk element with weather is lightning and we don't expect any of that.”

The action at Happy Valley starts at 9am on Saturday morning.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport