Megavalanche (FRA): 36 km / 2000 vertical metres
The calves have little to do in the legendary downhill marathon, but the race from Pic Blanc (3300 metres) above Alpe d'Huez is still a spectacular test of endurance. As soon as the start signal sounds, the mass of riders tumble, skid and skitter over the most famous snowfield in the MTB scene, before racing elbow to elbow on rough trails towards the valley. Arms, legs, backs, hands, everything hurts from the constant bumps that even ultra-soft suspension enduro bikes can't really absorb. It's amazing how wonderfully exhausting riding downhill can be. www.ucc-sportevent.com
Condition 5 out of 6 points
Driving technique 5 out of 6 points
Sleepless in the saddle (GER)
You can't register for Germany's funniest marathon, the organiser registers you. Of course, only if you have understood the MTB spirit, as defined by SiS organiser Christian "Phaty" Krämer and his followers. Power gels are doping. Shouting away slower riders? Punishable by being sent off. Rankings? Haha, good joke! Partying, on the other hand, is absolutely encouraged during the night race (from sunset to sunrise). strawberryvalley.com
Condition 2 out of 6 points
Driving technique 3 out of 6 points
Endurothon (GER) 69 km / 2400 m elevation gain
Three laps of 23 kilometres each? Oh, how sweet! And this is supposed to be one of the most challenging marathons in the German low mountain range? The bare route details reveal little about what awaits you at the Harz cult race. The name is more of a clue: Endurothon - a combination of enduro and marathon. After the start in Schierke, the route through the Harz landscape is correspondingly gritty. Tip for trail fans! www.endurothon.de
Condition 5 out of 6 points
Driving technique 4 out of 6 points
TransOst Challenge (GER/ROU): 3000 km / 47000 m elevation gain
Start in Bayreuth, finish in Constanta (Romania) on the Black Sea. Non-stop, self-support. Something for kilometre-hungry adventurers. www.transost-challenge.de
12 h MTB-Race Diessen (D)
Single / team of 2, 4, 6. A classic marathon is too short, a 24-hour race too long. Wonderful, then off to Dießen am Ammersee and collect laps. www.schatzbergrennen.de
P-Way Marathon (D): 93 km / 2600 m elevation gain
Four valleys surround Plettenberg, and the P trail leads through all four, including the associated peaks. The perfect marathon route. www.p-weg.de
Dünsberg Marathon (D): 86 km / 2280 m altitude difference
The 500 metre high Dünsberg is the region's landmark. Its flanks are a great place to burn your calves. duensberg-bike-marathon.de
Wasgau Bike Marathon (D): 100 km / 2500 m altitude difference
Timekeeping? No such thing at the traditional season finale in Lviv. This is a relaxed, full throttle race. Just like that. wasgaubike.de
