The inaugural edition of Epic Cymru, a five-day Mountain Bike stage race, due to take place in South Wales in August has recently announced its current rider line-up. Among the field of riders include a Cape Epic winner, professional enduro racers and mountain bike royalty from all around the World.
The event (which is still open to entries) is the first of its kind to take place in the UK and offers a unique format, somewhere between a cross country stage race and an enduro race, offering the chance to race timed stages at trail centres such as Afan Forest Park and Bike Park Wales with un-timed linking stages in between.
Matt Page, the race organiser is pitching the event at enthusiast riders primarily but it’s also gaining popularity with professional and semi-professional riders around the globe. To date, countries that will be represented include Japan, China, South Africa, USA, Poland, Spain, France, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Germany.
Riders that will be lining up to take part in August include the WTB/Cannondale Team duo of Mark Weir (USA) and Jason Moeschler (USA), multiple stage race winner Catherine Williamson (UK) and Mountain Bike pioneer Joe Murray (USA). Other top UK riders include Aidan Bishop, Leigh Johnson & Rowan Sorrell, who is hoping to recover from a broken leg in time to ride.
The event kicks off on August 15th with a prologue around Margam Park, before heading to Afan Forest Park and Bike Park Wales and Mountain Ash before finishing back at Margam Park on August 19th. In total riders will tackle around 300km across a selection of the best South Wales riding available.
The unique race format will including timed sections and linking sections. It’s going to be similar in distance to doing an EWS race every day for five days. During that time, riders will compete over multiple timed sections with separate cross country and downhill sections. Stage distances will be manageable but still challenging 45-60 kilometres with an emphasis on providing fun, technical riding throughout. Racing will of course be optional, many riders will choose to sit up and enjoy the amazing views on offer and enjoy the riding.
Full event details and entry is available at epiccymru.com
