Posted by Paul Hoyle on 20th Dec 2024
Entering events and challenges isn't just about crossing the finish line first; it's about having a blast with friends, pushing your limits, and exploring stunning trails. With a wide variety of events to choose from, there's something for everyone in the UK mountain bike scene.
Contents
Different Types Of MTB / EMTB Races
Enduro MTB / EMTB Races
Enduro racing is typically a 10-30 mile loop/ride that navigates up, down, and across a hilly/mountainous area in the countryside. The main competitive element of the event is oriented around gravity racing, made up of multiple downhill stages which are timed to generate the result. Those who take the least time to complete the timed downhill sections rank higher in the race results. Riders then have to ride to the next stage within a certain time limit; provided you are inside the time limit, the time you take has no impact on the result. Not every event is identical, so it's best to check with the organiser for the exact conditions and rules
(Photo credit: Dan Struthers Photography)
What type of bike / equipment will I need for Enduro Racing?
To compete in enduro events, a full-suspension mountain bike with 140-170mm of travel is recommended. Both traditional and electric mountain bikes are often permitted, with hardtail categories typically available. Riders should prioritise safety equipment and at a minimum a normal mtb helmet is required. Nontheless, full-face helmets are commonplace as well as knee pads, and elbow pads. Hydration is also crucial, with riders utilising bottles or hydration packs. On this note, it is worth mentioned on certain events they can often supply water stations, so what you decide to carry may be minimised, in the knowledge that you may be able to top-up your water supplies during your event.
Lastly a mudguard is highly advisable for maintaining visibility in muddy conditions. Additionally goggles or sunglasses offer an further layer of protection from mud, debris and flying inspects.
(Photo credit: Digital Downhill)
XC (Cross Country) Races
Key Aspects of XC Races and Challenges
- Fitness and Endurance: XC riding requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance to tackle long climbs and maintain a strong pace.
- Bike Handling Skills: Technical singletrack sections demand precise bike handling, including cornering, climbing, and descending skills.
- Mental Toughness: XC races and challenges can be mentally demanding, requiring focus, determination, and the ability to push through fatigue.
- Equipment: A lightweight and efficient mountain bike (hardtail or full-suspension) is essential for XC riding. Other important gear includes a helmet, hydration pack, and appropriate clothing.
XC Race Formats
What type of bike will I need for XC Racing
While you can technically tackle an XC race on any bike, a dedicated XC machine will seriously boost your performance and enjoyment. Your first decision? Hardtail or full-suspension. Hardtails are lighter, cheaper, and easier to maintain, making them a great entry point. But if you're hitting technical trails and aiming for top speed, a full-suspension XC bike offers more control and comfort. As you get more competitive, consider upgrading to clipless pedals and shoes for increased efficiency, and an XC-specific helmet for improved aerodynamics.
Downhill Races
Downhill mountain bike racing is the most extreme of the various categories discussed, it has fastest pace, the biggest jumps and the gnarliest tracks. Downhill racing is entirely gravity focused, unlike mass start events like XC races, downhill races are timed against a clock - the fastest time at the end of the day wins the race. Depending on the venue riders are usually uplifted on either a chairlift or gondola.
What type of bike will I need for Downhill Racing
A downhill bike will feature nothing lower than 180mm of suspension travel, to protect riders from large impacts expected on downhill courses, double crowns, downhill tyres/insterts and burly components offer increased confidence on gnarly terrain. Due to the extreme nature of downhill tracks it's important the right kit is used...Firstly a full face helmet is a must, combined with goggles to ensure vision is not an issue. Knee pads are also very important. Additionally body armour, neck braces and elbow pads may also be considered mandatory depending on the event organiser.
Where To Find EMTB / MTB Races
1 - Sientires is an excellent place to search for races, catering to a wide range of sports. To find mountain bike races simply use the filters located on the left side of the website, select cycling - open the drop down, and then use the filters to search for category specific races.
2 - British Cycling is another excellent option to find races, the website covers a broad range of cycling news and cycling rankings. However to find mountain bike races, first click on 'offroad', then 'mountain bike', scroll until mountain bike events is visible on the right hand side and then you can filter for different events.
3 - Finally Moredirt.com is a purely mountain bike focused website, primarily used to locate trails and events. To locate races and events, first click 'find events' on the website tab bar, then you can both filter by category, and search your post code to find events closest to you.
MTB Monster top picks for UK races
Boltby Bash - Enduro (Location: North York Moors). 'Five stages on “wild, natural trails” on private land, with everything from flowing loam to technical rock'.
Ard Rock - Large event encompassing a broad range of MTB/EMTB disciplines. (Location: Swaledale, Yorkshire).
Ard Moores - Large event that covers both Enduro and Sprint Riding - both MTB/EMTB. (Location: Lordstones Country Park, North Yorkshire).
Welsh Enduro Series - Enduro focused races for full info click here. (Location is updated every race).
Bolly Skyline - Enduro (Location: Bollington Cheshire), (entries open - event date: August 8th to 10th, 2025).
Malvernes Classic - Large event encompassing a broad range of mountain bike categories from down-hill to dirt jump bikes. (Location: Deer Park, Eastnor, Ledbury, HR8 1EN) (Date: Thursday 21st to Monday 25th of August 2025).
Manx MTB Enduro - The Manx MTB Enduro is a challenging and exciting mountain bike race held on the Isle of Man.
Northern Downhill (NDH) is a UK-based organisation in the that runs a series of grassroots enduro and downhill mountain bike races. They focus on providing accessible and fun events for riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned racers.
DoonThaBrae Eventsis a Scottish company based in Aberdeenshire that organizes exciting and challenging enduro mountain bike races. They're known for their focus on natural trails, stunning scenery, and a friendly atmosphere.
Southern Enduro: is a leading organiser of enduro mountain bike races in the south of England.
Top picks for International races
Enduro2 Enduro focused event (Location: Meribel (France) | Verbier (Switzerland). - The event is based around a 3-Day, Pairs-format event (in teams of two), EMTB's are welcome.
Megavalanch (Location: Alpe d'Huez ski resort in the French Alps) (Enduro event). - The Megavalanch is a mass start, fast paced enduro event whereby riders race from the glacial summit of Pic Blanc and race to the valley bottom at Allemnond over 2600 vertical meters.
Trans-madeira The Trans Madeira is a 6-day enduro mountain bike race held annually on the island of Madeira, Portugal.
