They lead for kilometres through the desert, across mountains thousands of metres high, through the jungle, over snow and beaches right by the sea: the toughest mountain bike races in the world. The conditions can be extremely tough on all continents, pushing even the best bike pros to their limits. For amateur bikers who, unlike in professional road races such as the Tour de Franceare also at the start of these mountain bike races, the challenge is even greater. Everyman bikers have to invest a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make it onto the finisher lists of these events. You will never cease to be amazed as we present the 15 most extreme stage races and mountain bike marathons around the globe.
The 15 toughest mountain bike races in the world:
- Tour d'Afrique - Africa
- 1000 Miles through CZ - Czech Republic/ Slovakia
- Yak Attack - Himalaya
- Desert Dash - Namibia
- Tour Divide - Rocky Mountains
- Mongolia Bike Challenge - Mongolia
- Salzkammergut Trophy - Austria
- Titan Desert - Morocco
- The Munga - South Africa
- BIKE Transalp - Alps
- Cape Epic - South Africa
- Brasil Ride - Brazil
- La Ruta - Costa Rica
- Grand Raid "Cristalp" - Switzerland
- Cape Pioneer - South Africa
Tour d'Afrique - Africa
Once across Africa - from north to south and in four months. The Tour d'Afrique makes it possible. And by bike. The race takes place every year from January to May and is similar to a stage race - only much longer: 12,000 kilometres, 90 stages and a 28-day break. The start is in Egypt at the foot of the pyramids - under the watchful eye of the Sphinx. The finish is in South Africa. Along the Nile, past ancient temples, through the Sudanese desert, up and down the biblical landscape of the Ethiopian mountains and even past Kilimanjaro and the Victoria Falls. In four months, the participants have enough time to experience unforgettable moments.
What can happen? The boss doesn't even give you four months' holiday for the MTB race through Africa.
The special thing about this MTB race: In total, the mountain bikers cross the whole of Africa and ten different countries, cultures and landscapes.
What will it cost me? Flight: Munich - Cairo: approx. 300 euros + flight: Cape Town - Munich: approx. 600 + entry fee: approx. 18400 euros = 19300 euros
1000 miles through CZ - Czech Republic/ Slovakia
1000 miles across the former Czechoslovakia, whether by mountain bike, scooter or as a jogger - it doesn't matter. Anyone is allowed to take part, as long as they are travelling under their own steam. For those who are not quite ready for the equivalent of 1600 kilometres, there is a shorter version with only 500 miles. The race started for the first time in 2011 with just 89 participants from three different countries. In 2023 - probably at the beginning of July - the twelfth round will take place. A great adventure awaits the starters of the 1000 Miles CZ, since 2021 two route options are given (South and North), whose GPS track must be followed. When, where and whether the participants sleep is up to them. The race is not just about crossing the finish line first. It is also about the personal goals of the starters: overcoming themselves, (self-)realisation and self-confidence. The main motivation for the starters is the high dose of adventure that awaits them during the 1000 miles across the hinterland of the Czech Republic and Slovakia. You have to be quick when registering: There are only 150 starting places per route.
What can happen? You are overtaken by a paraglider - they are also allowed to take part in the 1000 Miles CZ race.
The special thing about this MTB race: Sleep and eat when you want or need to - the participants can organise this themselves. So sleeping under the stars is also part of the programme.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Prague: approx. 160 euros + entry fee 320 euros = 480 euros
Yak Attack - Himalaya
8 days of scorching heat, dust, steep climbs, icy cold, kilometres of carrying passages and zero comfort: the Yak Attack in the Himalayas is the highest mountain bike race in the world. And definitely one of the most extreme. The participants have to overcome 400 tough kilometres and a multi-day climb up to an altitude of almost 5500 metres. The race starts in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The course then leads through subtropical mountain landscapes in extreme heat to the Annapurna massif, the tenth highest mountain range in the world. Over the course of several days, the participants have to cycle over the Thorong La Pass. This means: steep, blocked stretches, cold, snow and incredibly thin air. No foreigner has ever won this race because the conditions at this altitude are simply too tough. Anyone who takes part will reach their limits - headaches, diarrhoea and broken tendons are the more harmless complaints.
What can happen? At 5500 metres above sea level, the air doesn't even contain half as much oxygen as at sea level, it's also freezing cold and the water in the hydration bladder freezes.
The special thing about this MTB race: Temperatures during the 8-day Yak Attack race fluctuate between -20 and +30 degrees.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Kathmandu: approx. 1000 Euro + entry fee for foreigners: approx. 3500 Euro (only 40 starting places will be allocated due to the difficult logistics) = approx. 4500 Euro
Desert Dash - Namibia
The starters of the Desert Dash in Namibia only have 24 hours. The extra-long one-day MTB race takes place every year in mid-December - the Desert Dash has been around since 2005: the route leads 369 kilometres from the Namibian capital Windhoek westwards to the Atlantic coast in Swakopmund. Namibia's desert is around 80 million years old, making it the oldest desert in the world. During the mountain bike marathon, you will ride right through this "nothing" - in gruelling temperatures and extreme dryness. The Desert Dash is a ride over dusty and rocky tracks. The compensation: The extreme mountain bike marathon gives starters the opportunity to see incredible scenery and extraordinary wildlife.
What can happen? Half freezing to death in the freezing cold at night in the middle of the Namibian desert.
What's special about the Desert Dash: In addition to the usual energy bars and iso drinks, gummy bears, kudu meat, boiled potatoes and - at 40 degrees outside - grilled chicken legs are also served.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Windhoek approx. 1000 Euro + entry fee: approx. 230 Euro = approx. 1230 Euro
Tour Divide - Rocky Mountains
One of the toughest of all mountain bike races is the self-supported, non-stop Tour Divide. It covers 4418 kilometres and a total of 61,000 metres in altitude from Banff in Canada to Antelope Wells on the American-Mexican border. The highest point of the race is 3630 metres above sea level. The Tour Divide takes more than two weeks, with the fastest rider completing the route in just under 15 days in 2015. The Tour Divide course record stands at 13 days and 22 hours, set by Mike Hall The route leads through the Canadian wilderness, through rivers and over extremely steep slopes. Carrying and pushing passages through deep snow are not excluded. You should also make sure you have bear spray with you. The majority of the routes are dirt tracks - only a small proportion are on tarmac or single trails. Self support means a bike weighing around 19 kilos. This is because you need to carry everything on your bike, from clothing and spare parts to tools and even a sleeping bag. As well as being a spectacular adventure, the Tour Divide is above all a test of endurance, independence and mental resilience. The Tour Divide runs roughly along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) and starts every year in June.
What can happen? One false step on snow-covered steep slopes and you slide down the slope. Or a bear raids your food supplies overnight.
The special thing about the Tour Divide: The Rocky Mountains are crossed during the MTB and bikepacking race. They are considered the mightiest mountain range in North America. For comparison: the Alps would fit four times the length of the Rocky Mountains.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Banff: approx. 800 euros, no entry fee
Mongolia Bike Challenge - Mongolia
13,400 metres in altitude over 860 kilometres - quite a tough stretch. The Mongolia Bike Challenge is not only a physical challenge, but above all a mental challenge that the participants face. The six stages take the riders through the deserted steppes of Mongolia, over mountain passes, past unspoilt rivers and through rarely beautiful landscapes. The starters can expect a mixture of fast, longer, but also quieter and shorter routes. But they are all extremely tough and technically demanding. The Mongolia Bike Challenge has been completely changed for 2016: The stages have become shorter. The brand new routes should give participants the opportunity to see even more of the indescribably beautiful Mongolian landscape. The exact route for 11 to 20 August 2023 will only be announced in the coming months. On average, bikers can expect to cover around 500 kilometres and 10,000 metres in altitude during the Mongolia Bike Challenge.
What can happen? Being taken by surprise by a horde of wild horses in the middle of the steppe.
The special thing about the Mongolia Bike Challenge: The participants sleep in traditional, romantic nomad tents at night. This gives you a first-hand experience of how nomads actually live. Incidentally, it's around zero degrees at night, so the bike has to sleep outside.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Ulaanbaatar: approx. 1200 Euro flight + 2150 Euro entry fee = approx. 3300 Euro
Salzkammergut Trophy - Austria
Every year in July, mountain bike enthusiasts from more than 44 nations travel to the Salzkammergut Trophy, Austria's biggest mountain bike marathon. There are seven routes with different levels of difficulty, each of which has to be conquered in one day. The most difficult route with 213 kilometres and 7059 metres of altitude is considered the toughest one-day marathon in Europe. Between 30 and 50 per cent drop out during the race. The toughest part of this route is the extremely steep climb to the Salzberg, which is only at the end of the route. The race takes place on public roads, forest roads, bike and hiking trails through the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein-Salzkammergut. In addition to fitness, the bikers need above all technical riding skills and mental strength. Even the pros have the greatest respect for this. On 15 July 2023, the time has come again: several hundred bikers will once again push themselves to their limits on the extreme distance, because the Salzkammergut Trophy is not one of the most extreme MTB races in the world for nothing.
What can happen? You have a flat tyre or defect, lose time and fail to keep to one of the five specified time limits. The consequence: you are disqualified.
The special thing about the Salzkammergut Trophy: There is a "slow motion classification", where the slowest groups are also rewarded with non-cash prizes.
What will it cost me? Entry fee for the A-course: between 89 and 109 euros - depending on the time of registration
Titan Desert - Morocco
The Titan Desert will take you across the Moroccan desert at the beginning of May. The six-day MTB stage race demands enormous stamina and orientation from the participants at the same time. The 600 or so bikers have to cover more than 600 kilometres over spectacular mountains and through the dust-dry desert. The exact route (a total of more than 6000 metres in altitude) is only announced the night before each day's stage. The start is in Boumalne Dadés and the finish of the stage race is in Maadid. Several mountain and sandy stages in extreme heat and with gruelling long distances in the worst imaginable conditions await the starters. The race is not for everyone. It is only for the truly brave. For people who are prepared to go to their limits and beyond. A particular challenge of the Titan Desert is not to lose your bearings, because then you are lost...
What can happen? You lose your bearings, are alone and can no longer find your way out of the scorching hot, dust-dry desert.
What's special about the Titan Desert: There are sections in the middle of the desert that are deliberately not signposted; bikers have to find their own way with the help of a road book, maps and their GPS device.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Barcelona: 300 Euro flight (transfer to Morocco is included in entry fee) + entry fee approx. 2250 Euro = approx. 2550 Euro
The Munga - South Africa
At least 1000 kilometres non-stop in a maximum of 120 hours through the vastness of South Africa. The start is somewhere in Bloemfontein, the finish in Cape Winelands. Nobody knows exactly what the route will look like; the participants only find out shortly before the race. But it should be tough. Incredibly tough and exhausting. In this race, the bikers are left completely to their own devices as individual riders. They can decide for themselves when to eat, when to sleep and for how long. There are a total of five rest stops along the route. In 2014, the organiser wanted to entice riders with prize money of 1 million dollars, but the sponsor backed out at the last minute. The race had to be cancelled. But Alex Harris is not giving up that easily. In 2015, he organised "The Munga" anyway. The race starts every year at the end of November/beginning of December. However, the prize money had to be scaled back. The winner of The Munga now receives the equivalent of around 2,000 euros.
What can happen? You've misjudged yourself, driven past the first rest stop and can't make it to the next one, over 100 kilometres away.
What's special about The Munga: Burning calves, fatigue and numb buttocks against ambition, brilliant scenery and the prize money: a five-day battle with yourself!
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Bloemfontein: approx. 600 euros + hire car approx. 200 euros + entry fee: just under 1000 euros = 1800 euros
BIKE Transalp - Alps
The seven-day BIKE-Transalp is probably THE classic par excellence among mountain bike races. With over 1000 competitors from all over the world, once across the Alps. The 25th anniversary edition starts on 9 July 2023. The route is different every year, the destination has become a tradition: Riva - the "Pearl of Lake Garda" - and the main destination for all sports enthusiasts. The constants are the marvellous panoramas, overwhelming passes, the picturesque stage towns and an unforgettable experience that every mountain biker must have experienced at least once in their life. Around 550-600 kilometres and 18,000 metres in altitude over the main Alpine ridge: burning calves and numb buttocks are a permanent condition.
What can happen? Booked the hotel without looking at the map beforehand. At the end of the day's stage, another 500 metres in altitude await.
The special thing about it: Crossing the Alps on an MTB without a cumbersome rucksack on your back and conquering more metres in altitude than in any other race in the world.
What will it cost me? from 949 euros entry fee per person + 200-300 euros for bed and breakfast in the camp = approx. 1250 euros
Cape Epic - South Africa
The Absa Cape Epic - often referred to as the "Tour de France of mountain biking" - is considered one of the most spectacular and toughest stage races in the world. For eight days, the mountain bikers pedal through the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Cape in South Africa - around 800 kilometres through the most remote areas and around 15,000 metres in altitude over majestic mountains. The Cape Epic enjoys the highest UCI status and therefore attracts marathon celebrities and stars from the MTB and road bike scene every year. From 19 to 26 March 2023, it will be that time again: even the toughest bike pros will once again be pushed to their limits in the midst of South Africa's fascinating nature - including the German Cape Epic winner 2022 Georg Egger and Lukas Baum.
What can happen? For hours in the same pedalling rhythm and completely unaware of being rammed off your bike by a 90 km/h galloping antelope.
The special thing about it: Every morning, when it is still dark and even the antelopes are sleeping peacefully, the inhabitants of the 3000 or so tents are "gently" awoken by the sound of a bagpipe player.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Cape Town: approx. 900 euros + entry fee per rider just under 2500 euros = 3400 euros
Brasil Ride - Brazil
Waterfalls, springs, crystal-clear lakes and red-coloured rivers await the participants of the Brasil Race. The mountain bike race in Chapada Diamantina, a low mountain range in the Brazilian state of Bahia, is a breathtaking experience for every biker. The race is both an extreme challenge and an incredible scenic spectacle. 600 kilometres and 13,000 metres in altitude through constantly changing landscapes, from dusty dry and hot to many waterholes that feed the diversity of flora and fauna in this national park. The second and sixth of a total of seven stages serve as the approach and return journey to Rio de Contas. This is the starting point for the circuits on the remaining days, which send the teams of two over mountains up to 1600 metres high. The seven-day MTB stage race takes place every year at the end of October, with marathon stars also regularly lining up at the start.
What can happen? Accidentally driving into one of the marimbus swamps, getting stuck and unable to get out of the swamp without help.
What's special about the Brasil Ride: The bikers can concentrate solely on the most important thing: pedalling non-stop. No annoying luggage on your back, no worries about food or a roof over your head - the organisers take care of all that.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Salvador International Airport Bahia: 1000 Euro flight + starting fee approx. 1020 Euro per driver = 2100 Euro
La Ruta - Costa Rica
"It's more than just a race - it's a journey of personal development." La Ruta is considered the "granddaddy" of all MTB stage races. It is the oldest mountain bike race ever and definitely one of the toughest athletic events on the planet. Three days, 260 kilometres and five mountain ranges with a total of 8840 metres in altitude are quite a challenge. The race leads over beaches, through the tropical rainforest, banana plantations, various ecosystems and temperature zones and over volcanoes 3660 metres high. Terrain that you would never have dreamed could be ridden on a bike. Hundreds of bikers come to Costa Rica every year to test themselves and face this physical and mental challenge. La Ruta is also the only mountain bike race that crosses the American continent from one coast to the other - from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Or, as in 2023 for the first time, from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific in the other direction. It will happen again in 2023 from 25 to 27 May - an experience that sends shivers down your spine just thinking about it.
What can happen? Enjoying a banana in one of the plantations and being bitten by a rattlesnake.
The special thing about La Ruta: Costa Rica is considered to be the country with the highest biodiversity in the world, with plants and birds that you are unlikely to see anywhere else.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - Juan Santamaria Airport Costa Rica approx. 900 Euro + entry fee for single riders: 730 Euro = 1630 Euro
Grand Raid "Cristalp" - Switzerland
The infamous Cristalp long-distance mountain bike race has been running for 26 years. Starters can choose from four different distances with different starting points. The finish line is always the mountain village of Grimentz. The toughest is the traditional Grand Raid route with 125 kilometres and 5025 metres of altitude difference, starting in Verbier. It starts off on gravel roads and then becomes more and more technically demanding single trails. The energy-sapping ascent to the Pas de Lona at 2,800 metres, which only begins after 100 kilometres and a huge amount of altitude, is particularly tough. The fastest riders conquer this carrying passage at a run, while the majority push up to the top of the pass with their last ounce of strength. But the reward beckons at the summit: a marvellous view of the Valais Alps. The Grand Raid "Cristalp" takes place every year in mid-August.
What can happen? Gasping for breath as you approach the 2800 metre high Pas de Lona. It's particularly bitter if you don't make the grace period there by a few minutes.
What makes the Grand Raid so special: The Grand Raid is the oldest MTB marathon in Europe that also goes from A to B - an absolute rarity.
What will it cost me? Entry fee for the longest route: from 122-204 euros (depending on time of registration)
Cape Pioneer - South Africa
After the Cape Epic in South Africa was a complete success and the starting places were finally drawn by lottery, a new, exciting race had to be created: 7 days, over 500 kilometres and over 11,000 metres in altitude - 60 percent of the route has never been seen by a bike before. This is the Cape Pioneer Trek in South Africa, definitely one of the most extreme mountain bike races in the world. The stages are the most demanding of all, both technically and physically. The bikers don't have a second to catch their breath, as the route is often a single uphill-downhill on flowing single trails. From the beach at Mossel Bay through the humid pine forests in George and the dry desert in the Groot Karoo to impressive mountains, the Cape Pioneer leads through diverse landscapes. A truly African, tough and at the same time incredible mountain bike experience that you will never forget.
What can happen? Bad luck with the weather: all it takes is a small shower and the dusty earth turns into a muddy track. The bike gets stuck in the mud, pushing or carrying it becomes a slippery ride.
What makes the Cape Pioneer so special: Trails and brilliant mountain bike terrain in South Africa are only available at such events, as the land is all privately owned.
What will it cost me? Return flight: Munich - George: approx. 1500 euros + entry fee in a team of two: just under 1500 euros per person, as a single traveller: around 1550 euros = 3000 or 3050 euros
