Pietermaritzburg BMX Club played host to Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2026 SA National BMX Cup Series, welcoming 161 riders for a weekend of fast starts, flying wheels and fierce competition.
With national series points up for grabs, riders arrived ready to race, and the KwaZulu-Natal track delivered plenty of action. From the youngest novices finding their racing legs to the seasoned experts sending it over the jumps, there was no shortage of entertainment.
And judging by the photographs, there was plenty of airtime, tight racing through the berms and a healthy dose of BMX dust!
Cup 7: Setting the Pace
Round 7 saw strong performances across the novice and expert categories, with several riders stamping their authority early.
In the younger novice ranks, Oliver Fisher took the win in 9 Novice Boys, ahead of Skar Danneberg and Luca Thomson. Meanwhile, Liam Lubbe led the 10 Novice Boys podium, followed by Julian Lubbe and Denitho Africa.
The Expert Girls brought their own firepower, with Phillipa King, Emily Eloff and Zoe Winslow claiming victories in their respective age groups.
Over in Expert Boys, Finley Neil, Mason Hendry, Nehemiah Kitaba, Chad Carroll, Tyler Morello, Reagan Mellon, Kai Wilmans and Dylan Martin all powered their way to the top step.
The Cruiser categories saw victories for Melissa Robertson, Ethan Kaschula and Gareth Kaschula, while Sanele Shozi topped Junior Super Class.
In Super Class, Alex Limberg showed his experience, taking the win ahead of Zibusiso Mpofu and Shai Duke-Norris.
Cup 8: Déjà Vu or Revenge?
With Round 7 done and dusted, it was time to reset, refocus and do it all again.
Some riders clearly liked the view from the top step and weren't planning on giving it up!
Oliver Fisher, Skar Danneberg and Luca Thomson repeated their 9 Novice Boys podium positions, while Liam and Julian Lubbe held onto first and second in 10 Novice Boys, with Quade Bates taking third.
Phillipa King, Emily Eloff and Zoe Winslow continued their winning streaks in Expert Girls.
Among the Expert Boys, Finley Neil, Nehemiah Kitaba, Chad Carroll, Tyler Morello and Reagan Mellon all doubled up with another victory.
But there were a few shake-ups!
Christian Kaschula claimed the 10 Expert Boys win, William Nelson moved onto the top step in 15 Expert Boys, and Harrison Fouche took victory in 16 Expert Boys.
In the Cruiser ranks, Melissa Robertson and Gareth Kaschula made it two from two, while Sinjin Caromba claimed the 16–49 Expert Cruiser Men honours.
Sanele Shozi completed a Junior Super Class double, while Shai Duke-Norris turned the tables in Super Class, taking the Round 8 win ahead of Alex Limberg and Wanga Moshani.
More Than Just Podiums
Beyond the results sheets, the weekend was everything that makes BMX special.
The photographs tell the story: riders launching off jumps, handlebars almost touching through the corners, determined little racers giving it everything, and families cheering from the sidelines.
There were race faces, big sends, moments of celebration and no doubt a few riders wondering where their legs had gone after another hard-fought lap.
Because in BMX, it's not always about who stands on the podium. Sometimes the biggest victories happen a little further down the field — a clean gate, a brave overtake, a new personal best or simply finding the courage to send that jump.
That's a Wrap, PMB!
With another two national cup rounds completed, Pietermaritzburg delivered a fantastic showcase of South African BMX talent, from the grassroots categories right through to Super Class.
A big thank you to Pietermaritzburg BMX Club, the organisers, officials, volunteers, photographers, supporters and racing families who contributed to the event.
And to the 161 riders who rolled up to the gate — whether you collected a trophy, improved your lap time or simply collected half the track in your socks, well raced!
Until the next gate drops, keep those pedals turning and the rubber side down!
Charlie Holeshot
📸 Race Gallery: SA BMX Cup 7 & 8 – Pietermaritzburg
