The Ritchey TrailMasters powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport – the follow up event to the infamous TransWales and the Mashup – is the newest British XC enduro event of 2012.
On August 17-19, solo riders and teams of three will get the chance to test themselves over three demanding days filled with classic cross country trails and challenging timed sections as well as enjoy a bursting ‘off bike’ activity programme.
The TrailMasters is a 3-day event which features more than 220km of riding and 7,000m of climbing, as well as 6 special stages. But if the three days are too much for you and you can only spare a day or two you’ll be able to come along and take part in the day rider event (Saturday) and enjoy the spectacular ride as well as the fantastic event atmosphere.
The event will be based in the very heard of Welsh mountain biking – Llanwrtyd Wells – one of the most famous mountain bike locations in the UK which has seen the birth of lots of world renown events (Man vs. Horse, Real Ale Wobble, Bog Snorkelling World Champs…) as well as the first UK mountain bike centre, opened more than 25 years ago.
Ritchey Trail Masters – The Riding
Course designer John Lloyd has been working on the course for the TrailMasters in his head for the last twelve months. Endless amount of riding and guiding in the area has given him the chance to not just know his way round perfectly but to explore all the hidden gems the area has to offer.
The TrailMasters combines linking stages (untimed long distance rides) with special stages – off-road time trials. By doing this organisers are aiming to cater for those who want to see what the area can offer as a cycling destination whilst indulging the more competitive rider with the special stages.
Expect some challenging ups and down in the linking stages which you would not normally find in a marathon type event and some fast flowing and fun packed special stages which will test the riders on their technical riding skills as well as their staminar and speed.
‘Off the bike’ time
Bike events are not only about the riding but also about enjoying yourself ‘off the bike’. The TrailMasters is going to put some extra attention in the ‘off bike time’. The event village in Llanwrtyd Wells will be open throughout the day and will have an extended programme of fun rides, test courses, fun runs, kids activity, films and other activities to entertain the support crews and the families who have come along to enjoy the weekend. All these activities are free of charge – so you’re definitely encouraged to bring your family along! And once the riders have returned we will have an extended evening programme with live music, on site bar, film and photo shows, technical seminars and maybe even a pub quiz! All these activities are part of the entry fee.
Find out more and get your entry in now!
The new Ritchey TrailMasters powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport website is now open and ready for business. Riders and their support crews can find out all the details of the stages, the ‘off-bike’ program and entry details. You can enter either via the secure online entry or by downloading an entry form.
There'll be plenty of action on - and off - the bike in Wales. Photo Jon Brooke