Mountain biking is one of the best ways to see the world, and if you love travel and adventure, then get ready to ride through the stunning landscapes of Tara National Park and explore the hidden corners of Serbia at the Wild Bear MTB Stage Race. This event will take you to pristine natural wonders while also ntroducing you to local hospitality, cuisine and tourist landmarks.
The second edition of the Wild Bear MTB Stage Race will run from 7-10 September 2023 in Serbia, at the well known Tara National Park. The event has three stages and riders will cover more than 145km and tackle more than 4000m of climbing. Wild Bear is a pairs stage race, in either Men’s, Women’s, Mixed or Masters. There is also an eMTB category.
To keep things easier for those visiting Serbia, each stage will start in the same location, but offer a completely unique experience.
Stage 1 (41km / 899m) will introduce riders toTara National Park while letting you eye off the opposition for the two days ahead. The race starts from Mitrovac na Tari, the event epicenter, before taking mountain roads via Kaludjers Bare, Dobro and Ljuto Polje after which the course heads to lake Zaovine, one of the most famous lakes of Tara National Park.
Stage 2 (59km / 1789m) will be the longest in terms of kilometres and it will also get you to the most
remote parts of Tara National Park. It will combine everything that you need for a good day of mountain bike racing. From cool singletracks to fast paved roads, forest paths and technical terrain. The stage starts from Mitrovac and goes straight to Predov Krst and Jagostica passing close to Drina Gorge,
deep into the land of bears and untouched wildlife. You ride next to Pancic spruce, a tree so rare that it can only be found in a few places in the world. You will ride next to the most iconic viewpoints of Tara National Park, like Banjska Stena and Sjenic, but you will definitely want to come again to these mesmerising sights since you will ride fast in those sections.
Hills and thrills would be the best way to describe Stage 3 (45km / 1334m). This stage has the most climbing of all three stages but at the same time the beauty of Mokra Gora should reward your team.
You will find nice technical sections, fast descending points and three lakes on the track. Last but not least, just after the hardest climb your team can finally start to believe that you are actually going to be the Wild Bear Finisher – with a fast finish to the line.
About Tara National Park – home of the Wild Bear
Tara is located in Western Serbia. It is a part of Dinaric Alps and covers an area of 183 km2. Its length is
50km and it is 22km wide, with the average height of 1200 m above sea level. Its highest point is Kozji
rid – 1591 m. Tara became a national park back in 1981.
Due to its climate and isolation Tara preserved ancient species of trees such as Pancic spruce and other
almost fossil species of plants. Richness and variety of tourist attractions, preserved natural environment, mountain relief with height between 800-1500 m, winter sports facilities, richness and variety of plant and animal life, pleasant climate, river Drina and artificial lakes Perućac and Zaovine make this mountain one of the most beautiful in Serbia.
Tara National Park and Nature park Mokra Gora were nominated by UNESCO MAB Committee as a
potential biosphere reserve. Viewpoints in the National Park Tara are the most attractive touristic points and the best way to experience the park.