THE 2023 Hope MTB-Marathon Series kicks off this weekend, with Builth Wells the venue for the curtain-raiser.

The event takes place on Sunday (April 9), hosted at Penmaenau Farm in Llanelwedd, just outside Builth, and offers three distances – including the mini marathon, half marathon and full marathon.

But organisers are keen to stress that it’s not just about getting on your bike this weekend, with plenty of side rides and entertainment on offer at the event village.

Builth is the home of long distance mountain bike events and still one of the most anticipated events on the mountain bike calendar. Based in the event organisers’ home playground, the rolling Mid Wales mountains have provided excitement to over 20,000 competitors over the years.

With a mixture of classic trails and brand new single and double track bridleways the route will truly showcase the best riding in Mid Wales.

Sunday offers three distances: the mini marathon is an exciting, family friendly introduction to a mountain bike event. Approximately 25km in distance. The half marathon is your first step towards the full marathon or for those who have a more casual approach to their riding. Approximately 50km.

The full marathon is 65km in total, the real deal, big distance, with great trails.

Registration is open until 7.30pm tonight (Saturday, April 8) and Sunday from 8am to 9.30am, with the races getting underway at 10.30am on Sunday. Entry is available on the day.

There is plenty of other fun on offer, from a women’s and kids ride on Saturday afternoon, to a night ride on Saturday night.

Event organisers said: “Twenty four years have passed since this event was born and became the most solid fixture on the UK MTB calendar and the home of off road marathon cycling in the UK.

“Our award-winning caterers will be on hand from Penmincae Farm, producers of Wales’ finest Welsh black beef, just a stone’s throw upstream on the River Wye.

“The Exposure Lights Big Night Out will roll out shortly after 8pm on Saturday, a fantastic course awaits so if you’ve not entered why not pop and see the helpful blokes with the lights and head out onto the hills safe in the knowledge that you’ll be guided by the best lights and the best route marking around.

“If you’re not riding on Saturday evening please come along and join us for a beer and some banging tunes in the event village, our series partners Hope, Schwalbe and Torq will be on hand and happy to share their knowledge and showcase their products.

County Times:

“Then, of course, Sunday morning brings us to the big event, the trails are in absolutely prime condition and the weather forecast is warm, dry and sunny for the weekend.

“The event starts at 10.30am, please make sure you are at the start line for 10am to hear the rider briefing.”

Camping is available on site at Penmaenau until Monday at 12pm. You do not need to book camping, just turn up.

Upon arriving in Builth, you can access the venue from the A470 and follow event signage from the main road.

Upon entering the site, please follow signage of the appropriate type; either parking or camping. When arriving at camping/parking field, wait to be sited by event crew. Only crew vehicles are allowed near the event village itself.