Jason Pereira’s 1st Place e-Dirty Cross Race Story on a Leoguar eMTB

A Rider's Dedication

At Leoguar, we believe the most honest test of a machine isn't in a lab, but on the dirt, under pressure, with everything on the line. It's in the hands of a rider who pushes it to its absolute limit. This is one such story. It's not a marketing pitch. It's a race report, a rider's journal, and a testament to what happens when preparation meets opportunity. This is the story of Jason Pereira and his incredible win at the San Diego Quick & Dirty e-Dirty Cross race, told from the back of the pack.

Success in any form of racing, especially the rapidly evolving world of eMTB racing, doesn't happen by accident. For Jason Pereira, it's a science built on discipline. His philosophy is clear: the real work is done long before the starting gun fires.

"My race prep is all about training 3 weeks before the race," Jason shared with us. "I will put in 80 miles a week (40 miles bike path & 40 miles bike trails)."

This tough schedule builds the engine—the rider's endurance and strength. But on this particular race day, there was an unknown variable. It was his first competitive outing on his newly modified Leoguar Trailblazer, powered by a MotiNova Migic T1 motor. Even for a seasoned rider, the first race on a new setup naturally brings some nerves—and potential surprises. "As this was my first race with the TrailBlazer & MotiNova motor I was a bit nervous," he admitted. That pre-race anxiety was about to be amplified.

The Charge from the Back

Starting behind 21 other riders in a short, intense e-XC race is a huge disadvantage. The course quickly funnels into tight singletrack, where passing is difficult, if not impossible. "I was late to the start line, so had to start from the back," Jason recounted. But as the countdown ended, anxiety gave way to focus. "Once the gun went 'BANG', it was down to business."

What happened next was a pure display of power and tactical aggression. Instead of getting bogged down in the chaos, Jason saw an opportunity. The initial section of the course, before the first major bottleneck, was his only chance to make up significant ground. "I put the hammer down and passed 10-12 racers before the first single track section of the race course," he said.

This single act transformed the race. He had clawed his way from a hopeless position into the middle of the pack in a matter of minutes. From there, it was a different kind of battle—picking off riders one by one, managing energy, and navigating the technical demands of the course. He continued to pass competitors until he found himself in the lead group, a position that seemed impossible just a short time earlier.

The Tool for the Job

A rider's talent can only take them so far; their equipment must be an extension of their will. Jason chose the Leoguar Trailblazer not as an off-the-shelf solution, but as a solid foundation. He saw the potential in its frame geometry and integrated motor system, a platform he could tune precisely for the demands of eMTB racing.

As he told us, "Out of the box the Trailblazer has all the right geo, a great frame and motor system to upgrade."

His modifications were extensive and purposeful, transforming the all-around trail bike into a specialized racing weapon. This level of customization is what separates dedicated enthusiasts and competitors from casual riders. Each change was made to enhance performance, shed weight, or improve rider connection and control.

Jason's Race-Ready Trailblazer

Performance Under Pressure

With the bike dialed in, the focus shifted to the heart of the machine: the MotiNova Migic T1 motor. In the heat of an eMTB racing event, motor performance is about more than just raw power. It's about responsiveness, efficiency, and how the power is delivered.

"The MotiNova Migic T1 motor responded and performed great," Jason confirmed. Having experience with mainstream systems, he was able to draw direct comparisons. "Having ridden Shimano, Bosch and Brose motors the MotiNova Migic T1 motor has the power to match and out power all of them."

He noted a specific characteristic that is critical for racers: its efficiency at the speed limit. "One thing I noticed with Migic T1 motor is when you hit the speed limit, it has no drag." This means that once the motor assist cuts out, the rider isn't fighting internal resistance, a crucial advantage for conserving energy on flats or slight downhills.

He also learned how to extract its maximum potential. "The Migic T1 motor likes to spin, so you do need to spin a higher cadence to get the power out of it." This insight is key for anyone racing on the platform, shifting the riding style toward maintaining momentum through cadence rather than just mashing the pedals.

The Decisive Final Lap

After fighting his way to the front, Jason found himself in a tactical battle with two other lead racers. Instead of forcing the issue, he played the long game.

"I was battling with 2 racers and decided to just follow them until the last lap," he explained. This strategy conserved precious energy from his own body and the bike's battery. He waited for the decisive moment: "the last climb to the finish line, that is when I decided to empty my tank and sprint to the finish line."

Trusting his training and his machine, he launched his final attack. He crossed the line exhausted, unsure of his exact placing but knowing he had given it everything.

A Surprising Victory

The fog of exhaustion after a race can be disorienting. Jason had passed so many riders, and the battle at the front was so intense, that he had lost an exact count. "I figure I finished in the top 5," he thought. It wasn't until a spectator delivered the news that the reality of his achievement set in: "I finished 1st overall."

Not only had he won his Sport class, but he had beaten the entire field of 22 racers. Starting from last place, on a bike that was new to him, he had claimed the top step of the podium. The photo of him hoisting the Leoguar Trailblazer EMTB is more than a trophy shot; it's proof of a perfect execution.

Earned Attention at the Finish

The victory did not go unnoticed. A custom-built bike with an unfamiliar motor beating a field of established brands is bound to create a stir in the pits. The eMTB racing community is tight-knit and technical. Performance speaks louder than marketing.

"Yes, I had competitors from the race asking me about the TrailBlazer eMTB, what motor, battery size and how much the eMTB weighed," Jason said. They had witnessed its capability firsthand.

His win was a statement. He finished ahead of riders on bikes equipped with motors from the biggest names in the industry: Brose, Bosch, DJI Avinox, Shimano, and Yamaha. It was a grassroots victory, proving that a well-prepared rider on a smartly-configured platform can compete with and defeat the goliaths of the sport.

The eMTB Racing Context

Jason's victory in an e-XC (Cross-Country) race highlights one of the most accessible and popular forms of eMTB racing. These events are typically shorter, faster, and focus on lap-based courses that blend technical climbs, flowing singletrack, and fast descents.

The broader world of eMTB racing also includes formats like E-Enduro (EDR-E), which are gaining massive popularity. E-Enduro tests riders on a series of timed downhill stages but adds a unique twist: timed uphill "power stages." These are short, incredibly technical climbs that test a rider's skill, balance, and ability to modulate the motor's torque perfectly.

Regardless of the format, from the Bosch eMTB Challenge to GNCC Racing, success hinges on a few core principles:
- Riding Technique: Electric assist doesn't negate the need for skill. In many ways, it demands more, especially in managing traction on steep, loose climbs.
- Physical Fitness: eMTB racing is not a free ride. The races are physically demanding, and the ability to pedal efficiently above the motor's cutoff speed is often what separates the podium from the pack.
- Battery Management: For most races, you have one battery to last the entire course. Knowing when to use Boost mode for a crucial pass and when to conserve energy in Eco mode is a critical race strategy.

What Lies Ahead

For Jason, this victory is not an endpoint, but a beginning. It has validated his training, his technical choices, and his choice of the Trailblazer as his racing platform. His focus is already on the next challenge.

"I have a few months before the next eXC race (Cactus Cup in AZ)," he mentioned. He's also looking to broaden his experience. "I may try to do a couple of local eDuro races with the Trailblazer in Jan & Feb 2026, I will keep you posted."

This drive to compete across different disciplines is the hallmark of a true enthusiast, and we will be following his journey closely.

Your Path to the Podium

Jason Pereira's story is a powerful reminder that in eMTB racing, success is a combination of rider, machine, and preparation. He started with a disadvantage that would have deterred most, but he overcame it with grit, strategy, and a bike he had meticulously prepared for the task.

His journey from last to first is not just an inspiring underdog story; it's a blueprint. It shows that with dedication and the right platform, any rider can be competitive. The Leoguar Trailblazer trail-level eMTB provided the solid, adaptable foundation Jason needed to turn his hard work and expert knowledge into a commanding victory.

For every rider dreaming of the starting line, your own racing story is waiting to be written. The journey begins with a single step—and a platform built to take you to the finish.

FAQ

Q: What makes the Leoguar Trailblazer suitable for eMTB racing?
A: The Trailblazer features excellent geometry, a strong frame, and an integrated motor system that can be upgraded. Its design provides a solid foundation for customization, allowing riders to modify components like suspension, drivetrain, and wheels to create a race-ready machine.

Q: How does the MotiNova Migic T1 motor compare to other eMTB motors?
A: According to Jason's experience, the MotiNova Migic T1 motor matches and can outpower motors from Shimano, Bosch, and Brose. It has minimal drag when hitting speed limits and prefers higher cadence riding for optimal power delivery.

Q: What kind of training is needed for eMTB racing?
A: In preparation for his race, Jason trained 80 miles per week starting three weeks before the event. Physical fitness remains crucial in eMTB racing, as riders need to pedal efficiently above the motor's cutoff speed.

Q: What are the main types of eMTB racing?
A: The two main formats are e-XC (Cross-Country) races, which are shorter, faster lap-based events, and E-Enduro races, which feature timed downhill stages and uphill "power stages." Both require different skills and strategies for battery management and riding technique.

Q: Can a modified Leoguar Trailblazer compete against major brand eMTBs?
A: Yes, Jason's victory proves that a well-prepared rider on a properly modified Trailblazer can compete with and beat bikes from major manufacturers like Brose, Bosch, Shimano, and Yamaha. Success depends on rider preparation, bike setup, and race strategy rather than just brand names.