In today’s world, where national borders are less and less noticeable and freedom to travel is growing, the number of places we can spend our spare time is also expanding. If you live in countries such as Belgium and Denmark, Slovakia or the Czech Republic, it’s more than likely that the bike-mad inhabitants will have a tale or two about the increasingly famous stage races being organized in Poland.
The Beskidy MTB Trophy and Sudety MTB Challenge are two events already growing in recognition amongst marathon riders from around the world, and following in the footsteps of these events is likely to be the Carpathian MTB Venture.
These events provide you almost everything you want that is embedded into those 3 letters that signal our sport: MTB. Whether you like super-technical trails that require enormous strength and concentration or prefer gravely roads giving the possibility of admiring the nature around, racing in and around Poland offers something for everyone. You are also free to opt for either perfectly marked trails or exploring new ones on your own.
Blasting along the border at Beskidy
The Beskidy MTB Trophy is about to mark its 6th edition – with the most iconic trails around Istebna in the Silesian Beskid. Over the years, the distinguishing features of the race route have included the remarkable trails around areas like the King of the Silesian, Beskid Skrzyczne, the picturesque Czantoria, Trzy Kopce, as well as the challenging terrain of Rycerzowa, Przegibek and Wielka Racza.
The race owes its remarkable characteristics to its natural borderline route in the Czech Beskidy Mountains, where the mountains of Javorový and Ostry also contribute even more to the event.
The challenging climbs of the Silesian Beskid culminate at the top of the Wielka Racza and carry on along the routes in the Czech Beskidy that will always provide a motivation boost. If you take into account the unpredictability of the local weather you know you’ll be in for a fight to receive the much sought after race T-shirt.
The race’s finisher T-shirt has become a much sought-after trophy, which is granted to all who complete all 4 days of racing. Testament to the difficulty of the event is the fact that around 60% of riders end up receiving the coveted shirt.
While it might sounds scary, the difficulty of the race has become one if it’s major drawcards. Riders testing themselves to the limit in an effort to join the club of those famous 60%. The 2012 event will get underway on June 7, with entries open now. While the racing it tough, each of the four stages starts from the same site, keeping accommodation logistics simple.
Something longer at Sudety
If alpine climates are your thing, then bear in mind that the Sudety Mountains along the Polish and Czech border will give you a more than adequate dose of alpine air. The Sudety MTB Challenge is a little bit longer than Beskidy, consisting of 5 stages plus a prologue. However, Sudety is traditionally a bit faster and more forgiving as far as technically sections go.
Although vast stretches of the course resemble other European alpine events, there’s still ample technical and challenging riding to be had. Examples include the downhill from the Borowkowa Mountain, single red trail from the Snieznik and the rocky climb to the tower on the Wielka Sowa. Sudety MTB Challenge is undoubtedly tailor made for those that want a taste of all that Central-Eastern European mountain biking has to offer. The Sudety mountain areas are rich in culture and you’ll pass along old bridges and through mysterious tunnels. It’s a real treasure trove of history that you’ll discover over the course of six days of racing.
As it’s reputation has grown, so has the pedigree of the startlist. Bart Brentjens and his Trek Milka team riders are expected to return for 2012, and the presence of World Champion Marek Konwa has elevated the value of the whole race. If you’re keen to enter what is fast becoming one of the world’s most famous stage races visit here.
Challenge yourself (without a course!) at Carpathia
Last year marked the debut for the unique Carpathia MTB Venture. While it’s generated plenty of positive comments and fond emotions, it’s unique format begs the question: “is it for me?”.
The race has a unique format, without one fixed course. Riders will start in the same spot, but their route to the finish is up to them. Organisers suggest some variations of the route, but ultimately it’s up to competitors to determine the course they’ll take to the finish. While it might seem unusual to many, the format creates an incredible style of race.
The ingredients of the success are basically a knowledge of the map and topography, as well as map reading skills. It’s similar to orienteering, meaning the ability to manage, reframe and rearrange quickly are requisites for success.
Carpathia consists of 6 stages and is designed to include a diverse range of routes. The race starts in the wild area of the Bieszczady and Maly Beskid, where a small town called Rymanów Zdrój, inhabited by less than 2,000 people, will host the first stage.
From these sparsely populated areas the race will take us to the most authentic, typically Beskid, gravelly roads of the Sadecki Beskid. The main range spreading from Krynica to Szczawnica is an absolutely must-ride for every mountain biker visiting this area of our Carpathians. It touches the rich and marvelously wonderful panorama of the Jaworzyna Mountain, the Wielki Rogacz and Przechyba. Those places are a ‘must-ride’ for any genuine biker.
The race is effectively one of the finest “showcases” of the Carpathians available – to mountain bikers and non-mountain bikers alike. From Szczawnica it enter the clay roads of the Gorce. Breathtaking views of the Tatras are the reward after the relentless climbs of Turbacz and Luban require. That relatively small chain is a genuine challenge, and although it is anything but easy, it is one of the organisers strongest route suggestions on that particular day of racing. After leaving the famous spa town, the event will enter the Makowski Beskid to tackle the Zywiecki Beskid.
The ranges of the Polica and Pilsk ranges are next on the agenda and offer one of the most inspiring areas of the Carpathians. The Polica’s stage is effectively a rest day, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of the Beskidy mountains’ beautiful Babia Gora while you collect your strength for the Queen stage of the event. That day will include the most technical portion you’ll face in the Beskidy Mountains, as you traverse the Silesian Beskid. But for all your labour you’ll be rewarded with beautiful vistas of the Rysianka mountain chain.
Carpathia really is a race like no other. It will provide incredible riding, memorable views and unique paths that will never be lacklustre. And because of the race format, it’s really up to you to decide how much you want to see and experience.
You yourself are your own director of each stage of the race. Chilly mornings can warm to hot days, with thunderstorms emerging to fillthe blue sky. A reasonable selection of clothing, gear and equipment is recommended, but your certain to have the experience of a lifetime.
The 2012 Carpathia MTB Venture gets underway on August 20 and entries are open now.
Robert Matusek will be taking on the challenge of racing in Poland this year and will reporting his adventures on MarathonMTB.com, so stay tuned!