With increasing numbers of enthusiasts, we're now seeing numerous sporting events related to the world of mountain biking. This explains why more and more MTB races are being organised across the country, with growing numbers of cycling enthusiasts discovering their appeal.
These timed MTB endurance rides offer the chance to test your physical capabilities against others, challenge yourself across varied terrain, and better understand your limits in order to push beyond them.
During these races, you get to experience competition without it being overly serious. You can sample what it's like to be part of a peloton of 50+ riders, feel the thrill of being cheered by spectators when passing through villages, enjoy a recovery massage at the finish, and briefly taste the atmosphere experienced by your cycling heroes.
Moreover, it's a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, reconnect with old acquaintances and share countless stories.
However, despite participants' experience levels increasing annually, there are always newcomers who may not know how to conduct themselves during these events.
That's why we've compiled these essential tips for your first MTB endurance race experiences:
- The start: Only those genuinely competing should position themselves at the front. Riders wanting to test their limits without aiming for podium places should start mid-pack or towards the rear. Simply put - the less trained you are, the further back you should position yourself. As a rule, someone training 3-4 times weekly should start around the middle.
- Find your group: Group placement becomes easier with race experience. A good tactic is observing other riders' physiques to find those with similar builds to yours.
- Stop to refuel: Pit stops are beneficial, especially early when you're fresh. Use them to eat and restart calmly to easily rejoin your group. Well-trained riders may need fewer stops later on. Others should pause at designated points whenever needed.
- Stay hydrated: Carry two water bottles and never run dry. During races, no one will assist you between official refreshment points.
- Catching a group: Don't chase larger groups ahead. Instead, let faster groups behind catch you - you'll conserve energy and finish stronger.
- Avoid sprinting: A 20-metre sprint burns equivalent energy to 5km at steady pace. In endurance events, avoid riding at 100% capacity - especially on unfamiliar courses or when anticipating demanding sections (common in MTB races...)
- Ride at 50% capacity: During the first two-thirds, maintain 50% effort, saving strength for the final third. This makes managing remaining energy easier. Try it: start steadily and observe how many fast starters exhaust themselves prematurely.
- Effort management: Always build intensity gradually. Ignore group members shooting ahead - they'll likely tire quickly (they should have similar capability if you started together). Maintain steady rhythm. Find someone to "chat" with during the ride - it helps maintain appropriate pace.
- Pace regulation: If feeling strong, don't overextend. When tiring, simply ease off. Stay behind equally tired riders rather than overtaking.
- Team spirit: You'll spend hours with the same people - foster group camaraderie! Even if conversation is limited, don't hesitate to share comments or jokes.
- Don't break teams: If encountering a team group, don't split them unless joining properly. This disrupts race flow.
- Respect the environment: Never litter - races risk being banned otherwise. Sadly, disrespect still occurs at events meant to celebrate MTB's outdoor ethos.
- Sportsmanship: Always help struggling riders. Encourage those finding the course challenging.
- Be courteous: Makes the ride more enjoyable for everyone.
- Safety: Always wear your helmet - for obvious safety reasons.
- Finally, observe road rules: Remember public roads remain open!
As you'll appreciate, a successful MTB endurance race combines sporting values and spirit, followed by personal achievement, with competition coming last.
This new year, start training with your own MTB or hire one locally!
