Now that we’re finally getting back to some semblance of normality after the past couple of years, the race calendar is jam-packed with exciting stuff to look forward to. Whether you’re an avid spectator, a die-hard competitor or you like to dip your toe into both pools, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
Along with the well-known classics – including the Megavalanche, Ard Rock Enduro and Tweedlove – the British National Series dates are out, which will showcase the best homegrown talent, and the UCI schedule has had a shake-up, with Discovery taking over the broadcasting rights. Red Bull are still heading up some big-hitting mountain bike events, though, and legendary mountain biker and commentator Rob Warner will hopefully still be gracing us with his on-mic magic.
This season, the Enduro World Series (EWS) becomes the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Cup (EDR). All races will be one-dayers and a new points system will be introduced. E-bike enduro (EDR-E) has also been given a revamp with World Cup status and will follow the same format, but with additional technical climbs. As with the EWS, amateur races will run alongside some of the EDR events throughout the year, giving anyone the opportunity to take on these world-class tracks and cheer on the pros. It remains to be seen exactly how the new format will work, but it’s sure to provide us with some entertaining racing from the best riders in the world.
In other news, semi-finals will be introduced at the Downhill World Cup rounds, with just the top-30 men and top-10 women going through to the final. Cross-country Marathon (XCM) will gain World Cup status, too, and XC Short Track races will include under-23 categories for the first time. With all these changes, we’re keen for it all to kick off and to see how it plays out.
We’ve compiled the main events into an easy-to-digest format, so get them in your diary and let’s get psyched for the race season!
2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Calendar
ArrayKey: EDR-Enduro, EDR-E-E Bike Enduro, XCO-Cross Country Olympic, XCC-Cross Country Short Track, XCM-Cross Country Marathon, DHI-Downhill
2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships
Array2023 British Mountain Bike National Championships
Array2023 Crankworx World Series
ArrayMBUK’S Top Picks
3-9 July – Alpe d’Huez, France
ArrayBig Hitters TBC
Red Bull Rampage - 15-16 July - Dyfi Valley, Wales
Red Bull Formation
Red Bull District Ride
