The Ford Trailseeker Series launches its 2026 season on Saturday, 31 January, with a blockbuster opening round in the Banhoek Valley near Stellenbosch. Based at Plaisir Wine Estate, the event offers four race distances and a dedicated E-Bike race, making it a family-friendly festival of mountain biking — but it’s the elite fields that have everyone talking.
Elite Men: Big Names, Bigger Stakes
The men’s race features one of the strongest line-ups seen on South African soil in recent years. Headlining the field is South Africa’s most decorated marathon racer, Matt Beers, alongside former world champion Jordan Sarrou and 2021 Marathon World Champion Andreas Seewald.
Adding local intrigue is Marco Joubert, who dominated much of the 2025 season, winning three consecutive races before a puncture derailed his attempt at the coveted R1 million clean-sweep bonus. Joubert still claimed the overall title and returns to Banhoek as defending champion — and clearly with unfinished business.
“The Banhoek round is perfectly timed,” said Ford Trailseeker Series CEO Clark Gardner. “European riders are escaping winter, locals are hungry to race, and the course always delivers exciting competition.”
Joubert starts the season alongside top finishers from last year, including Jaedon Terlouw, Tristan Nortje, and Travis Stedman, ensuring fierce racing from the gun. Also in contention are in-form riders Arno du Toit, Marc Pritzen, Michael Foster, and Wessel Botha, who has already shown strong early-season legs.
The international threat is significant. Germany’s Simon Stiebjahn and Seewald have spent weeks acclimatising in South Africa, while Sarrou’s explosive singletrack skills make him a danger on the Banhoek trails.
Women’s Race: A Rivalry Renewed
The women’s elite contest is headlined by a familiar and compelling rivalry. Candice Lill and Alessandra Keller renew their Banhoek duel from 2024, when Keller edged Lill in the closing kilometres.
“I’m excited to race again,” said Lill. “It’s early in the season, so it’s about building intensity and seeing how everything feels.”
Keller, meanwhile, relishes the route’s technical challenge. “The Banhoek trails are world-class. Hot, dry, dusty, and plenty of climbing — that suits me.”
Challenging the favourites are a strong supporting cast including Hayley Preen, Namibia’s marathon star Vera Looser, Tyler Jacobs, and last year’s runner-up Sara Cortinovis. Danielle du Toit also returns after a difficult 2025, aiming to reset her season with a strong opening performance.
Course, Conditions and What to Expect
The 63.5km Banhoek marathon includes 1,500 metres of climbing, with the toughest ascents coming after halfway. Historically, winning times hover around 2 hours 25 minutes for men, with women finishing roughly half an hour later.
With temperatures forecast to reach 34°C and little wind expected, heat management could be decisive. A fast, flowing singletrack descent into Plaisir Wine Estate promises a dramatic finish — whether it’s a sprint or a last-minute attack.
With R1 million once again on offer for any rider who can win all six events, and R100,000 for the overall series champions, the opening round is about far more than bragging rights. It’s the first move in a high-stakes season — and Banhoek is set to light the fuse.
