Stage Two of the Appenninica MTB Stage Race dawned with some cloud cover, but a very upbeat and friendly vibe in race HQ. No doubt after the heat of stage one, everyone was happy for less intense sun as we took on the Queen stage, riding 90km and ascending 3200m from Castelnovo ne’ Monti to […]
Bike check: Mike Blewitt’s Factor LS for the Devil’s Cardigan
Here at MarathonMTB.com we’ve realised there is a lot of crossover between the training, racing, and outlook of marathon events and gravel events. And that’s why along with Justin Morris and Imogen Smith, I’m mixing in a few gravel events this year. Having used a Norco Threshold for cyclocross racing, road racing, training and gravel […]
How to succeed at the Convict 100 MTB Marathon
The Convict 100 is probably the most distinctive mountain bike race in Australia. Despite having no singletrack, it manages to be technically challenging. Despite having no built features like gap jumps or north shore the trails are as badass as they come, being hand carved by thieves, bolters and lifers. It’s got zero pretension, not […]
Appenninica MTB 2021 stage review
With less than six months to until the third edition of Appenninica MTB Stage Race, race courses and profiles have been released for the stage race running from 12-18 September, 2021. The race organisers have worked to enhance the route from previous years, focusing on the Apennine ridge’s beauty and the unspoiled nature of Alta Via […]
Bike Check: Norco Revolver Hardtail team builds
With two new Norco Revolver hardtails added to the MarathonMTB.com service course, it is worth asking what role does a hardtail play in the mountain bike world? The humble hardtail is often seen as the bike for beginners, for family riders, and for ‘cross-country’. A hardtail can also be seen as a race-only bike, a […]
My favourite event: Transalp
As we move into a year unlike no other, being able to travel the world and race your bike seems like such a luxury! I don’t think I ever took it for granted, but as each week passes I’m left thinking about what race I’d really like to do, or do again. I also think […]
MTB Racing in Jordan: Final Day 4
The 4th and final day of the Arabian Cycle Epic- Jordan was judging by the smiles crossing the finish line, the highlight stage of the whole tour. Riders began this morning at the Shoubak castle which was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. This sits in a strategic position for defensive purposes which […]
MTB Racing in Jordan: Day Three
Day three of the Arabian Epic Series Jordan Stage Race would start and finish at the 5 star Holiday Inn Dead Sea Resort. That means a big buffet breakfast, and we can only go uphill from the start. Sitting at about 400m below sea level, the climb to Mt Nebo at about 800m would be […]
MTB racing in Jordan: Day Two
Stage 1 and day 2 of the Arabian Epic- Jordan was promising to be an exhilarating day of riding. With 46km of riding starting at 1000m above sea level and finishing at 200m below sea level we were all looking forward to ripping down the Jordanian countryside. Alas, as fun as the riding was on […]
MTB Racing in Jordan: Day One
The Arabian Epic Series popped up a couple of years ago, with an ambitious plan for lots of one day races and a few stage races around the Middle East, including in Jordan. The concept has settled for the current season with 3 marathons and 2 stage races – which is probably about right in […]