Photo Epic: 2026 Commencal / SRAM Downhill Championships, Hellsend Compound
Hellsend Delivers the Goods
Record entries, technical terrain and a growing field of gravity talent made for an outstanding weekend of downhill racing at HellSend Dirt Compound.
The 2026 Western Cape Downhill Mountain Bike Championships brought the heat, speed and action to HellSend Dirt Compound just outside Stellenbosch last weekend, with riders taking on a fun and hugely challenging track that tested their technical ability, commitment and nerve. Warm conditions and relatively light winds made for a fantastic weekend of racing, providing the perfect backdrop for an event that continues to grow in stature and participation.
A Track Reborn
After lying dormant for the better part of a year, the Hellsend track was brought back to life by world-class trail builder Justin Novella, who did a superb job of reopening the course while preserving its best features. Rather than simply restoring the old track, Justin rerouted around the blown-out section, creating a track that retained its character while delivering a fresh challenge for returning riders. And a challenge it certainly was!
The track featured a technical run-in to a sizeable road gap that caught a few riders out, There were plenty of shark fins, jumps and a whoop section that kept everyone entertained. Also, a new, super-technical rock garden added another serious test of skill. From there, riders could unleash the speed on the familiar high-speed flow line that runs down to the finish line. In summary, this is a proper downhill track, combining technical features, big-air and fast, flowing sections that rewarded riders who could put together a relatively mistake-free lap.
Record Entries and a Growing Gravity Community
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was seeing the continued growth of the Western Cape downhill series, with these championships achieving record entries. The increasing turnout is a clear indication that gravity racing in the region is in a healthy place, with more riders getting involved and the competitive field continuing to deepen.
The younger categories deserve particular recognition. These divisions are growing rapidly, bringing fresh energy to the sport and showcasing the next generation of downhill talent. Seeing so many young riders stepping up to the challenge is encouraging for the future of the discipline in the Western Cape. The eBike category is also gaining momentum, adding another exciting dimension to the racing and attracting growing interest as the discipline continues to develop.
Adding an international flavour to the weekend, a number of in-form gravity riders arrived fresh from the Enduro World Championships to take on the Hellsend course. Their presence brought an extra edge to the racing and offered spectators a glimpse of professional pace.
The People Who Make It Happen
While the racing and the track naturally take centre stage, an event of this scale simply would not be possible without the countless volunteers who give up their time and energy to make the weekend run smoothly. From the shuttle drivers getting riders back to the top for another run, to the shuttle coordinators keeping everything moving, the marshals positioned around the course, the timekeepers recording the results, and the race directors and officials overseeing the competition, every contribution plays a vital role.
These are the people working behind the scenes, often for long hours, to ensure that riders can focus on what they came to do: race their bikes. Their efforts are a huge part of what makes the Western Cape downhill community so special, and they deserve a massive thank-you for helping deliver another successful championship weekend. Want to relive the action? Follow the race through the image captions for all the moments, faces, features and highlights that made this year’s championships one to remember.
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