Best MTB stage races in Europe?

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the_marsbar
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by the_marsbar

I am looking for a European MTB stage race for next year's season. I know people who have done both the Beskidy and Sudety stage races, they seemed to like them. I like the fact that the stages of Beskidy starts at the same place, so you can stay at the same hotel during the race. However, I've heard that the weather can be a disaster (time of the year, geographic location). Sudety is supposed to be better (too warm?).

Some of the people in the cycling club are talking about MTB Trilogy, a new stage race in the Broumovsko region on the Czech-Poland border. The concept seems similar to the Beskidy stage race.

To sum up, so far I am considering:
- Beskidy (Poland)
- Sudety (Poland)
- MTB Trilogy (Czech Republic)

I would like to hear comments regarding the above-mentioned stage races. Also, if anyone knows about other races that are worth considering, I'd be happy to hear about them.

stuka666
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by stuka666

Heard good things about these two:

http://www.rallydiromagnamtb.it/

http://www.andaluciabikerace.com/

In Portugal there is also the Douro Bike Race, website not yet available this time of the year, but you can search for past events.

Cheers

by Weenie


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the_marsbar
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by the_marsbar

Thanks! I known people who've done the ABR. It's a bit too early in the season for me.

I'm also mainly looking at solo races.

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apLe
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by apLe

Well, as a Pole, I recommend Sudety MTB and Beskidy MTB stage races. Please take into consideration that even though Beskidy are shorter (I think 4 days currently comparing to 7 in Sudety), this race is much more demanding IMO. The weather can be more unpredictable and if it rains, there will be mud. Soil in Sudety mountains is different, a bit drier and can absorb more water. Beskidy are much more technical as well. In terms of landscapes Polish mountains (Beskidy, Sudety, Bieszczady, Tatry...) are fantastic so you can't go wrong choosing any of them.

Anyway, both are great, both are demanding and both will be unforgettable experience. On youtube there are some footages from these races - you should have a look :)
18' R5 coming soon...

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Rappid
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by Rappid

I have done 3 times MTB Beskidy and 2 times MTB Sudety. If you like technical stuff go for Beskidy,
more 'relaxed' atmosphere go for Sudety. As the lads said before, the weather is the key, if you go
wrong with the weather will be blood, I mean muuuud :)
Rally di Romagna is another one I have done 2 years ago.
Great steep short climbs, nice views, good organization and awesome food!
We had earth quake back in 2012!
Heard about Andalucía Bike Race but Feb is too early for racing :)
MTB Trilogy is a four day (if I good remember) stage race. Very technical.
What I can recommend is Transpyr. Raced this year and I love it.
Crossing Pyrenees across Spanish border from east to west!
Beautiful views, awesome singletracks, great descents and tough climbs.
You can do this solo (Transpyr WEST + EAST).

If you are tough enough you can go for Ironbike, but this one is a different level.
You will see your dark side as I did back in 2010. Dead man walking... :)

There is few more, like: Transportugal, Transalgarve, Four Peaks Challenge, AltaVista stage race, Rally di Sardegna and of course, Transalp.
I will be racing last two. See you there? :)

Cheers, Seb.

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the_marsbar
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by the_marsbar

Great stuff. Thanks for the suggestions. Some of my friends are planning to do MTB Trilogy. Did you do that one? What's the weather like at that time of the year?

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Rappid
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by Rappid

No, I haven't done MTB Trilogy yet.
Check this videos: http://vimeo.com/45052629
http://vimeo.com/62351632
Could be one wet day but nothing major, should be dry.
I would recommend Transpyr for better overall experience :)
Video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PPLOfXXAaQ
Cheers!

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the_marsbar
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by the_marsbar

Thanks! That looks quite nice actually, I will take it into consideration :)

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Rappid
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by Rappid

Totally forgot about Swiss Epic. Almost whole route covered by singletracks! Must be great.
You need a partner. Race is in September.

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