schoolsthatrock
2026 SA Cup Downhill. SACS Downhill Report – SA Cup 2026, Round 1. The 2026 SA Cup Downhill Series launched in spectacular fashion at Zevenwacht Wine Estate. The SACS Downhill team indeed faced one of the province’s most technical and unforgiving tracks.
Zevenwacht is renowned for its raw character. Unlike manicured bike parks, this course demands pure bike-handling skill and nerves of steel. Under blistering January heat, the track morphed into a true “dust bowl.” Loose, decomposed granite—known among riders as marbles—turned every corner into a high-stakes slide. After navigating the treacherous upper and middle sections, competitors were challenged by a finale of high-speed jumps and a flat-out sprint to the line, pushing even the fittest riders to their aerobic limits.
Despite the punishing conditions and fierce competition in the U16 and U18 categories, the SACS riders displayed composure, grit, and determination. Their performances set a strong tone for the season ahead:
- Matthew Bellairs (U18) – 9th place, a hard-earned Top 10 finish in a stacked field.
- Fenn Patton (U18) – 11th place, battled through the dust to finish just outside the Top 10.
- Jack Cumming (U16) – 13th place, a commendable mid-field result in the day’s largest category.
Overall, it was a solid start to the SA Cup campaign for the SACS Downhill team, laying a strong foundation for the rounds to come.
Read more exciting school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
Photo supplied
Become a Sponsor
