GORE BIKE WEAR™ TransWales 2010 - CONCEPT

Over the years Mountain Bike stage events for example the TransAlp, the TransRockies and the Cape Epic have been on the top of the event wish list for thousands of mountain bikers around the world. The TransAlp is booked out just hours after the opening of online registration and has seen numbers for over 800 teams per year since is started almost 10 years ago. These events are the most gruelling yet inspiring experiences one could have on a mountain bike.

The in 2006 launched TransWales managed to seamlessly slip the UK adaptation into the ranks of these high class events and has managed put the UK on the global ‘MTB Trans’ map. The 2006 event attracted a very broad spectrum of cycling and sports enthusiasts and found a worthy follow up event in the 2007 TransScotland and the 2008 and 2009 TransWales. You could find everything from mountain bike racer, marathon specialist, extreme tourer, adventure racer and lots of other general sports fanatics who have never spent countless hours in the saddle but are up for the big challenge.

The TransUK events have taken the concept of the ‘Trans’ events and applies it to the terrain and conditions we have in UK. Contrary to the afore mentioned events the TransUK events had a mixture of mostly off road run linking stages which are un-timed and special stages which are timed.

The GORE BIKE WEAR TransWales 2010 will follow the same concept. We are currently in the course planning stage but as it looks we will utilise once again some of the best welsh trail centres – either as special stages or part of linking stages. Keep an eye on the stage plan page where we will put any news and updates on the course. The 2010 course will get completely re-worked from the 2009 course without cutting out some of the great bits of trail the riders enjoyed so much in 2009. For details check out the stage plan.

Linking Stages: During a linking stage you will be riding from one location to the other. We will set a generous time limit which will allow you to get to the next location without any problems. Normally the time limit is based roughly around a 12km/h average speed but gets reduced if the climbing or the terrain is particular severe. All teams will be equipped with a route card which shows reference points along the way and has all the emergency number on it. The courses are fully marked from start to finish. A certain amount of strategy is required to make sure that you arrive at the next location within the time limit. If you should arrive late you will get penalty points which will affect your over all position.

Special Stages: We will have 4-5 Special Stages in the Gore Bike Wear TransWales 2010. At the beginning these stages were always run on purpose build trail centres and run either prior to the linking stage or after the linking stage. We moved away from that concept and introduced ‘within’ stages in 2009. For 2010 we will maintain that idea but will also add some further changes. For the 2010 TransWales we will run hill climbing, descending and general trail riding stages – so that we can really find out who the best all rounders are. The Special Stages are time trails against the clock and will be run on fully marked and marshalled courses or as specially marked part of a linking stage. And to keep the racing exciting to the last minute, we will run the final Special Stage at the finish location on the 21st August in Builth Wells.

How it works? A ‘within’ special stage will be located near the end of a linking stage so that the riders had plenty of time to get into the right packing order for the timed special stage. The riders would arrive at the start and get sent over either in intervals or whenever they are ready (depending on course conditions). The start and the finish are clearly marked and timing facilities will be in place to determine exact times for the special stage. All riders would ride the special stage as it is part of the linking stage. After the riders have passed the finish line of the timed special stage they would continue their ride all the way to the end of the linking stage where the over night camp will be located.

We are still keeping at least one of the special stages as the classic loop event on a trail centre – this will be most likely the night stage which will be run as a team event where both members of a team would ride the event and their average time would be added to their over all time.

These special stage time trials and require again a mixture of skills and have a huge impact on who is going to do well in their category and who won’t.

As one of the special stages will be held at night so decent night lights are a must if you are going to take part in that stage (you don’t need lights for any other stage including all the linking stages).

Where as the linking stages will give you the chance to enjoy some of the best riding the British Isles have to offer without the ongoing pressure that you have to press on (so you get the chance to chat to other riders or stop for a great view or a photo) the special stages will be gripping fights for split seconds and will be packed full of drama. Concentration and speed will be the order of the day as even the smallest mistake can make the difference between being on the podium or in front of it. The right choice of reliable equipment will also have a vital role as there will be no time for fixing problems this is just speed, speed, speed.

Same as the first four TransUK events the Gore Bike Wear TransWales 2010 is not just about riding your bike fast and long. It is also about making new friends whilst discussing the day’s events over dinner, riding through amazing countryside in one of the most picturesque parts of Wales, pushing your own limits, following an active and healthy lifestyle and simply about being part of something special. If you have had the chance to be part of the TransUK events in 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009 you will know what we are talking about and if not, come along to the 2010 Gore Bike Wear TransWales and find out for yourself.