Top 10 mountain biking events

Are you into riding off road with strangers for hours at a time? Do you like hardcore,
legendary mountain biking in rocky, high-altitude locations? Or are you on the lookout for the
latest, most challenging MTB marathon of the year? If you answered yes to any of these
questions, then keep on reading to find out about the most exotic, unique stage races out there.
Whether youre a first-timer or an experienced rider, here are the top 10 mountain biking
events you should know about.
10. Trans Pyrenees
Starting out in San Sebastian and finishing in Roses, this mountain biking event takes
place in Spain, between 30th June and 7th July. Available for teams of 2 or 3, the race covers
950 km over the course of 8 consecutive days. Adding up to a daily average of 2500 m of
climbing, you get to cross the grandiose Pyrenees, well-known by all cycling fanatics, from
the Mediterranean to the Atlantic! The journey ends with a traditional dip in the Atlantic
Ocean in the breathtaking coastal town of Hendaye.
9. Katy Trail
At 240 miles, this is Americas longest Rails-to-Trails and begins at Machens on the
Missouri river. Passing through Jefferson City and Columbia, the trail finishes in Clinton and
is one of the most exciting, scenic ride on the nations most extensively developed and
popular rail. Taking place between 22nd and 26th of June, biking through the rustic Missouri is
an enriching adventure that every cyclist should experience at least once.
8. Salzkammergut Trophy
If marathons are more your thing, this event is the front runner when it comes to
difficulty and endurance. Widely-known in Europe as the most demanding mountain biking
race in terms of stamina, this competition takes place in Austria, on the 9 th of July and has
7000 m of elevation gain. If you decide to compete, youll have 16 hours to finish a 210 km
course through the Alps. This excruciating trek is known to bring even the strongest
competitors down to their knees long before theyve passed the finish line. If this sounds too
exhausting for you, then you might want to check out one of the shorter options that takes
place on the same day.

7. Cape Epic
Known as the Tour de France of mountain biking, this grueling competition is
regarded as a standard stage race, covering around 700 km of South Africa. A veritable
challenge for both amateurs and veteran contestants, Cape Epic typically lasts for 8 days and
is redesigned annually, to ensure a refreshing, unpredictable expedition every year.
6. La Ruta
This renowned mountain biking event cuts across Costa Rice from the Pacific to the
east coast on the Caribbean. While the length is not very impressive covering a little over
150 miles during the course of 3 days what makes this race truly challenging is the total
elevation gain of over 20000 feet. Traversing everything from small villages to forests and
active volcanos, this event will drain you out with its hot-cold discrepancy and exotic, wild
setting.
5. Alpe dHuez
This event has gained more or less of a celebrity status in the biking community over
the years. Compiling rocky single tracks, forest roads and tricky descends over glaciers, this
race is not so big on free ride features, but rather focuses on physically challenging lines. With
over 2500 meters of altitude drop, this trail covers everything from rocky climbs to sandy
berms.
4. Iron Bike
Taking place between 23rd and 30th of July in Italy, this is one of the most demanding
races when it comes to both physical persistence and agility. The race includes untimed
linking stages and several timed special stages. Youll need great stamina to compete in this
race, as you might have to ride up to 12 hours a day on high altitude camps.
3. BC Bike Race
This remarkable mountain biking event is widely-recognized as a record-holder when
it comes to single tracks. Do you think you could ride single tracks for 7 days straight? If you
want to compete in this race, you have to! Integrated with a multitude of hand-built British
Columbia trails, BC Bike Race has the most single track worldwide and makes for a highlydemanding and exhausting trial.

2. Trans Portugal
This is a fierce and laborious race that you should not get into lightly. Encompassing
over 1100 km of off-road, rife with sand tracks and forest roads, Trans Portugal is an 8-day
mountain bike stage race that usually takes place in May. The reason why this particular event
stands out from all the rest is that it has a limited number of riders. Only 75 competitors can
participate in this race. Moreover, if you choose to sign up for this, your lodgings and inbetween stages meals are already taken care of by the organizers. Youll be competing as part
of a team that will receive CTS support from a coach. Youll also be provided with high-tech
equipment and youll have professional mechanics constantly re-checking and working on
your bike during and between stages.
1. Trans Alp
With over 1000 participants from 40 countries every year, Trans Alp is one of the most
well-known, spectacular stage races across Europe. Featuring a 897 km track, over 19000
meters altitude and 22 magnificent mountain passes, this mountain biking event is an
indispensable experience for any dedicated cycling enthusiast. The MTB race takes place
between 13th and 20th July, starting in Mittenwald and ending at the beautiful Lake Garda. If
you decide to participate, youll be competing as part of a team of 2 and have over 25000
spectators watch and cheer for you in different locations.
So grab your bike and experiment with some of the most thrilling and challenging
mountain bike racing events of the year! Whether youre a new-comer looking to learn and
gain experience, or an old-timer ready to put your endurance and mental strength to the test,
take the time to go on a journey of self-discovery and exhilaration on your mountain bike!