Chinese National MTB Downhill Race – Nanjing, Jiangsu
Word and Photos: Mesum Verma / 孟虎
My connection with Nanjing goes back to 2009, when I first explored the city, with my mountain bike, of course. I remember discovering some fun trails on Zijin Shan, which offered a short but technical descent filled with tight turns, small drops, and jumps. It wasn’t overly extreme, but it was definitely enjoyable. Later, I also ventured to Laoshan in Pukou. Back then, it was still quite undeveloped, mostly farms and factories, but the potential for trail riding was already there.
Track-walk
Fast forward to today, and Pukou has transformed with metro lines, bridges, and a thriving community. It’s great to see how much the region has grown, and it’s especially exciting that this year’s Chinese National MTB Downhill Race Series kicked off right here
I was originally scheduled to be in China for work, but plans shifted and I found myself with an unexpected window to attend the event. I hadn’t been to a race since 2020, so it was fantastic to reconnect with the racing scene, especially in a city I once called home for over a decade.
I arrived late Wednesday night from Beijing, and to my surprise, a good friend was also in town. Thanks to him, I had a reliable ride to and from the venue, which made logistics much easier. Although my hotel was about 4 km from the track, it was shared by many riders and the organizing crew, creating a great atmosphere.
Finish-line
On Thursday, we walked the track. The finishing area looked very professional, and I imagined how great it would feel to cross that line after a solid race run. Walking up the trail gave us a preview of what riders could expect: a mix of enduro-style features and downhill elements. Some sections were flat or off-camber, which could become tricky in wet conditions. Certain jump landings also stood out as being a bit harsh, which could be challenging for some riders.
Riders got to the top with the mini van (and they had to push the bike a little to the start)
As we continued walking the course, we noticed that the trail layout leaned more toward tight corners and technical maneuvers than high-speed flow. While some might call that “technical,” others might see it as limiting the ability to truly open up and ride fast. It was clear that there were some creative trail-building ideas at play, and with a few refinements, it could develop into a very solid venue for future races.
Start
Later that day, we joined the full track walk with all the riders. There were a variety of opinions shared, some concerns around safety, especially if it rained, and how the trail might ride under those conditions. To the organizers’ credit, they took the feedback seriously and made several course adjustments before the first training session. The course was shortened to remove some difficult uphill and off-camber sections, and the finish was moved to a more stable section of fire road.
Friday training went relatively smoothly until rain interrupted the session. Interestingly, the rain helped clean up the trail surface, and it rode surprisingly well afterward. I appreciated the chance to walk down the track after the weather cleared, some parts felt even better than before.
That evening’s riders’ meeting introduced a new rule: no GoPro cameras for the final runs. While this caused some confusion and discussion among the riders, I think it highlights the need for clear communication during high-level events. A more transparent explanation would have helped everyone better understand the intent behind the decision.
Saturday brought more rain, including lightning, which understandably forced more schedule changes. The event team worked hard to adapt, but some uncertainty remained. Adjusting to weather is part of mountain biking, and flexibility is key, but ensuring riders are well-informed and schedules are consistent can really help maintain a smooth flow during the race weekend.
A difficult corner
Sunday finally brought sunshine, and with it, a great race day! Training in the morning went well, though some riders noted that substances added to the mud in certain areas didn’t have the desired effect. Still, the top section of the trail was a favorite among many, and the race ran successfully. The award ceremony was held by late afternoon, and riders began heading home with stories and memories from the season’s opener.
Looking back, it’s clear that organizing a national-level race is no small task. Balancing trail design, rider safety, and logistics, all while dealing with unpredictable weather, takes experience and adaptability. While there were some challenges, the effort to hold the event and respond to feedback is something I truly respect. With a few refinements in trail building, safety measures (such as improved padding and netting anchoring), and communication, future editions could set a new benchmark for downhill racing in China.
There’s real momentum building here, and I hope this series continues to grow and develop. I’ve seen outstanding races in China in the past, and I’m confident that with continued passion and professionalism, the Chinese MTB scene can rise to the world stageLooking forward to the next race!
#mtbmagasia #national #downhill #championship #nanjing #china