We have a number of members who race mountain bikes cross-country, including in Marathon & Enduro events, sometimes as a team.
Endurance, fitness and machine control all combine to make cross-country mountain bike racing one of the most testing forms of cycle sport.
In cross-country (XC) racing, riders start together (massed start) and complete a specified number of laps on a technical course of typically three to six kilometres including climbs and technical descents. "Marathon" events are generally run over a longer distance (typically 50 or 100km) often over one big single loop of the full distance.
As well as hard-core Cross-Country and Marathon racing, there has been a huge growth in Enduro racing in recent years. Enduros comes in many forms - 100km and 12 and 24 hours (often with two and four man team options) are just some of the popular options. Huge fields make a for a great atmosphere and, whilst the more able riders treat them as seriously as any other race, for many they are a chance to enjoy riding in company or have a weekend away with friends. Many riders find enduros offer the same sort of rewarding "value for money" experience as Road Sportives, with "winning" or producing a top performance less important than simply enjoying the ride and exploring your own capabilities.