The 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series had it all: soaring victories, crushing setbacks, a record-breaking field, and unforgettable moments that will go down in South African mountain biking history.
From the January opener in Banhoek to the spectacular finale in Wellington, riders were tested across six events in four provinces. The Cradle, Die Bosveld, Sondela, and Van Gaalen each offered their own unique challenges, building towards a crescendo that captured the very essence of the sport.
A Finale Charged With Atmosphere
By the time the series reached Wellington for the sixth and final round, anticipation was at fever pitch. The venue was alive with record numbers of riders, families, and spectators. The atmosphere buzzed not only with racing excitement but also with the Springboks’ victory, making the day feel like a festival of South African sport. With near-perfect weather and a crowd brimming with energy, it was the perfect stage for a grand finale.
The sprint settles it
Toyota Specialized’s Travis Stedman won Wellington in a sprint to the finish line, a perfectly timed sprint that edged Marc Pritzen of Honeycomb 226ers into second. Tristan Nortje of Imbuko ChemChamp, ever combative, claimed third after an all-out fight. Just behind, Jaedon Terlouw pipped Arno du Toit in their own shoulder-to-shoulder dash for fourth.
Top 5 Elite Men Results
- Travis Stedman | 02:32:35.3
- Marc Pritzen | 02:32:35.8 (+0.5s)
- Tristan Nortje | 02:32:36.1 (+0.8s)
- Jaedon Terlouw | 02:32:59.3 (+24.0s)
- Arno du Toit | 02:33:19.1 (+43.8s)
Control and composure by Hill seals the deal
Sarah Hill of Efficient Infinity seized control early during race #6 Wellington and never let the race out of her grasp. She was clinical on the climbs and assured on the flats, riding clear for a commanding win. For much of the first half, Tania Bugarin was hot on Hill’s heels until Luislang, where she lost around 40 seconds. Her misfortune deepened when a wrong turn ended her hopes of contention. On the final climb of the day, Nicolette Griffioen pushed hard and moved into second, holding a strong, steady pace to the line. Ila Stow rounded off the podium after a determined morning in the chase group.
Top 5 Elite Women Results
- Sarah Hill | 03:16:46.2
- Nicolette Griffioen | 03:23:42.1 (+6:55.9)
- Ila Stow | 03:25:33.1 (+8:46.9)
- Sanchia Malan | 03:26:24.1 (+9:37.9)
- Steph Wohlters | 03:29:43.3 (+12:57.1)
2025 Series Champions Crowned
The men’s title race was a season-long duel of talent and tenacity. At the Series outset, Marco Joubert of Imbuko ChemChamp was chasing the R1 million performance bonus for anyone who could win all six events. After a flawless start with three victories, disaster struck at #4 Sondela when a puncture shattered his hopes.
Yet, Joubert remained a contender for the overall series crown and its R100 000 prize. Wellington set the stage for a nail-biting duel between Joubert and Pyga EuroSteel’s Jaedon Terlouw, separated by just 350 points. But fate was merciless. Joubert, nursing a knee injury, fell back early.
Terlouw, seized the opportunity, sprinting to fourth place in a fiercely competitive field. But despite his gallant effort, Joubert’s gritty 13th-place finish was enough to secure the series win by a whisker, just over 100 points. It was not the fairytale million-rand sweep, but it was the triumph of resilience over circumstance.
While the men’s title went down to the wire, the women’s crown was sealed early. Safari Essence Titan Racing’s Bianca Haw had already secured the overall series after the fifth event at Van Gaalen, her consistency across the season ensuring she pocketed the R100,000 overall series prize. With the title wrapped up, she turned her attention abroad, leaving the door open for others to battle for the remaining podium places.
That contest came down to Tshenolo Pro Cycling’s Tania Bugarin and 2024 Series winner Nicolette Griffioen. In the end, it was Griffioen’s steady efforts that earned her second place overall, with Bugarin clinching third, a clear demonstration that consistency pays off.
A Record-Breaking 2025 Series
The 2025 Ford Trailseeker Series will be remembered not only for the racing drama but also for its unprecedented growth. Every event saw record participation, from the elite’s to everyday riders, the trails came alive with thousands of stories of effort, achievement, and community.
Source: Faces Events
