Although 2023 spelled the end for many factory teams withdrawing from Enduro racing in 2024, you’ll be glad to hear that the UK still has some epic events available for us to attend. Mountain bike racing and festivals are going strong with lots of the big events close or fully subscribed already.
In this article, check out our top UK mountain bike events that you shouldn’t miss. If they’re already fully booked, no worries – you have ample time to plan and train for next year’s edition. Whether you choose to participate or simply enjoy watching, our list aims to inspire you to witness the best of mountain biking in the UK. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Fox Antifreeze- 9th March 2024
Ready for a thrilling challenge in 2024? Kick off the year on an adventurous note by taking part in the 2024 Fox Antifreeze, at Coed y Brenin. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Eryri National Park, Wales, this event promises fantastic trails and great camaraderie.
Choose to ride 1, 2, or 3 laps of the scenic 12km course with no need to decide in advance – ride until you’ve had enough! (up to 3 laps) The non-competitive challenge ride adopts a staggered start, minimising course congestion for a stress-free and enjoyable experience. The event is ideal for newcomers to MTB challenge rides and welcomes both regular bikes and EMTBs –Huray!
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Battle on the beach 6th-7th April 2024 SOLD OUT
Before we dive in, a quick heads up: Battle on the Beach 2024 entries are already fully booked (no hard feelings, please!), worse still, the waiting list is also closed which means you’re not able to grab any spots from riders who can’t make it. (We did warn you guys about this event selling out quickly last year)
The race organisers tout Battle on the beach as the “UK’s biggest off-road cycle event.” It’s hard to dispute their claim – a genuinely distinctive mass start race covering 3 laps, totalling about 45km. The race kicks off on a spacious 5km beach stretch, forming quick echelons where positioning is key. Transitioning from hard-packed sand, riders venture over dunes and into the woods for some thrilling singletrack. Overall a brilliant event to check out and perhaps look to enter in 2025?!
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London cycle show-19th-21st April 2024
The London Cycle Show offers a fantastic experience for cycling enthusiasts, with a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest in bikes, accessories, and gear. Attendees can enjoy hands-on experiences, test ride bikes, and explore interactive displays. The event attracts cycling experts, hosting workshops and seminars for valuable insights. The show features inspirational talks, demonstrations, and exclusive offers on bikes and gear and the chance to meet some of the stars Family-friendly activities make it suitable for all ages and above all, the show takes place in the magnificent Alexandra palace.
UCI mountain bike world cup-Fort William 3rd-5th May 2024
Get ready for an iconic start to the 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup at Fort William – an event not to be missed! As the very first round of the competition, this mighty race is set to take place next May. If you’re eager to witness the action trackside, mark January 25 on your calendar as spectator tickets will be available on www.ucimtbworldseries.com. Act fast, as these tickets are in high demand.
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Redbull Hardline-Wales 1st-2nd June 2024
Attracting some of the best riders on planet earth, the Redbull Hardline is set to make a 2024 summer comeback. Sadly due to adverse weather conditions, the 2023 event had to be cancelled and for good reason. Often hailed as the toughest downhill race out there, adding high wind would have added a fourth dimension of invisible danger whereby the risks were simply outweighing reward. The vast mountain terrain is riddled with daunting features, including expansive gaps, rocky sections, massive step-downs, and drops sizable enough to consider parachutes. Check this link for ticket information and seize the opportunity to witness this formidable event up close and personal.
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Tweedlove bike festival 14th – 16th June 2024
Welcome to Scotland’s major cycling celebration – a grand gathering for riders of all kinds. Annually, this festival draws thousands of biking enthusiasts to the Tweed Valley for an incredible weekend of riding and good vibes, both on and off the saddle. Packed with bikes, gear, thrilling rides, race, fantastic food, free movies, and weekend-long DJ sets in Peebles and the Tweed Valley, Tweed Love boasts the ultimate cycling atmosphere. What’s more, it’s free to enter the festival!
Tweedlove Festival After Movie from TweedLove Bike Festival on Vimeo.
Ard rock enduro 26th-28th July 2024 SOLD OUT
Get ready for a two-day biking extravaganza at Ard Rock, located in the Swaledale area in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This event offers an expo featuring top bike brands, live music, camping, pump track, demo loops, kids skills track, entertainment, food stands, a fully licensed bar, and, for added excitement, camping is available and normally really cheap too!
The main Enduro event covers a challenging 45km loop of technical, flowing, and steep natural trails – definitely not for beginners. With over 2,500m of climbing and descending, it lives up to its tough reputation – it’s ‘Ard!
If that seems a bit daunting, there’s a one-day Enduro Sport, a two-day Enduro Sprint (a 30km version open to 15-year-olds and up), and a three-stage Enduro intro designed for beginners.
You can enter these events as a team, individually, or just join in with a bunch of mates – starting together for maximum fun!
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GT Malverns classic 22nd-25th August 2024
Gear up for the grandest celebration in British mountain biking, featuring a thrilling weekend loaded with spectacular events for both riders and spectators. From high-speed racing across all disciplines to the UK’s largest trade exposition showcasing over 100 top brands, it’s an action-packed extravaganza. For anyone over the age of 30, the retro show will provide enough Enjoy free fun fair rides, a pump track, free bike secure bike parking, balance bike world championships, airbags, and slack lines!
Feel free to bring your bike and even your furry friend (yes, dogs are welcome!). Ride the official racing courses, which are open to all attendees. Unlike typical festivals, the Malverns Classic offers clean toilets, showers, and drinking water. Live entertainment, including bands, DJs, and a licensed bar, adds the perfect finishing touch. What are you waiting for? Join the excitement!
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Glentress weekender 24th-25th August 2024
A weekend of two halves! Gear up for an action-packed weekend in Scotland. Saturday hosts the renowned Glentress Seven, Scotland’s premier MTB endurance event, where riders, whether solo or in teams, will compete for seven hours on a new course featuring Glentress trails. The event village at the UCI Cycling World Championships start/finish line adds to the excitement, offering riders their own Glentress XC hero moments.
On Sunday, the Enjoyro EVO, an intermediate enduro race, takes center stage.
It’s perfect for those who are easing into full-scale enduro races.
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There we have it, our pick of Mountain bike events to attend in 2024. Whether you’re riding or going along to spectate, Don’t forget to make sure that if you are participating in an event, that you have the correct level of insurance in place. Pedal Cover offer a combined home and bicycle policy, mountain bike travel insurance and also bicycle only insurance policies which include electric mountain bike insurance. Our mountain bike insurance is designed to cover your bike for crash damage, accidental damage, theft at and away from home, liability cover, personal injury cover and much much more. If you need any help, just give the friendly support staff a call on 0800 121 4424
