Downhill Mountain Biking (DH) is an ever-growing sport which has seen tremendous progress over the last couple of years in South Africa. DH is for the advanced and extreme rider whose love for speed brings them blazing down the roughest single-track descents through rock gardens, massive drops and gnarly root sections. Downhill riders will need a good sense of balance to navigate through the toughest terrains under high speeds. 

Downhill races are very intense and exciting to watch, with one rider racing down a defined downhill section, in the fastest time possible. The continuous course is defined on each side by a strip of tape. Depending on the format, riders have a single or double attempt to reach the finish line as fast as possible, while remaining between the two tapes designating the course.

Downhill bikes are heavier and stronger than other MTB bikes and feature front and rear suspension to enable the rider to glide quickly over rocks and obstacles. Full-face helmets are a must, coupled with goggles to block out rock deflections and dirt from the eyes. It is recommended to wear additional body armour such as chest and backplates.