It is a truth universally acknowledged that the best possible post-ride activity is soaking in a thermal spring. Well, actually, that’s a highly contested and controversial statement, and dependent on the weather. But if there is any cold or wet present, then the thermal spring comes into its own. This has perhaps been crucial to […]
A True Transylvanian Biking Adventure: Faget Marathon Preview
In just under 2 months’ time Faget Marathon in Romania will play host to the UCI World Marathon Series. Set in in the foot of the Western Carpathians the race promises eager competitors a chance to experience a lush green race paradise. For many the race offers a great opportunity to visit somewhere new […]
Algarve Bike Challenge – Only As Strong As Your Partner
After racing Algarve Bike Challenge last year it was an easy decision to return to this event which was taking place for a 5th year. The host town of Tavira is a great place to visit and the residents welcome the race with open arms. The organisation is of the highest quality – excellent website, […]
Racing in Paradise – Azores UCI MTB Marathon
This past weekend the cycling circus flew to the middle of the North Atlantic Sea for the Azores MTB Marathon, a round of the UCI World Marathon Series. The Azores are a group of 9 volcanic islands with the racing taking place on Sao Miguel which is the largest and most populated island. The geography […]
The marathon journey that is the Highland Fling
When marathon races started developing in Australia about 15 years ago, they were very different to how they are today. The majority were point-to-point events, through farmland, country dirt roads, singletrack, quad bike trails and undeveloped animal trails. The mountain biking experience was raw, and riders often had to negotiate gates, creek crossings, and long […]
Buying the right bike for marathon and stage racing
What bike should I buy for marathon racing? Or, what bike should I buy for… *enter a massive stage race here*? These are not uncommon questions for bike shop staff, and one that we get sent via email or social media quite frequently. The range of bikes continues to expand, as does the type and […]
The Land Rover West Rand Silverstar MTB Challenge set for 2016
The 9th edition of the Land Rover West Rand Silverstar MTB Challenge takes place on 10th September this year, offering its traditional 20km and 40km options on the Krugersdorp Ridge. The event starts and finishes at the revamped Silverstar Casino and a special treat is in store for riders with the finish moving inside the square which […]
Power analysis in marathon racing
For this past weekend, I decided to book in a double header with an XCO race on Saturday and the Saarschleifen Half Marathon on Sunday. The XCO was my main focus but with the Vaude Trans Schwarzwald stage race fast approaching, I wanted to see how my body would react to hard racing days back […]
Vietnam Mountain Bike Marathon heads to Sapa Hills
The first edition of the three day Vietnam Mountain Bike Marathon is set to take place from November 4 – 6 2016 in the remote mountainous region surrounding Sapa. Registration for the bike race is now open. With a backdrop of the highest peaks in Indochina and the Hoang Lien National Park deep in the far north, […]
Belgian Mountain Bike Challenge 2016 – Magic In The Ardennes
The Belgium Mountain Bike Challenge might only be 3 days but it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in it. Eat, race, eat, sleep, repeat. The post race depression quickly kicks in as reality strikes. No sooner had we finished the final 6 hour stage we were on the road driving the 8 hours back […]