It is a shame. As above though it is a challenge event for most with aiming to finish being the goal. Once you’ve done that, why do it again? It takes time to get fit and get things worked out. It takes money, not just the entry fee but petrol, camping food, training trips, spares etc. In 2011 I spend something like £500 on bearings, drivechain and servicing to get my bike running properly again.
The average punter will tick it off and be done with it. When you look back at 2009 and 2011 you might also forgive people for holding off until as late as posisble to see what kind of autumn we will get.
Why did Montane pull out?
I still have unfinished business. I think I was fit enough to get <10h in 2011 however the weather conspired against me and my bike so like most I limped home and was glad to have finished. Maybe it can survive but not as a yearly event.