Preview
I am now just a day away from competing in my first ever European Stage Race. The tenth edition of the Sudety begins in Southern Poland, and crosses over the Sudety mountains into the Czech Republic. The race is nearly 400 km in length and involves 12,000 metres of climbing. Stages are difficult but the views are fantastic with riders from all over the world competing for personal glory.
Prologue (Sunday July 28th) - The event kicks off with a short, uphill time trial of around 16 km and 516 m of climbing. The prologue begins in the town of Sienna, close to the lower lift station at Black Mountain. The initial phase is a long, steep climb towards the Pass of Vipers Glade. Along the way, the route traverses the slopes a few times where there are wonderful mountain views Difficulty 3/6
| Stage 1 - 70.7 km 2615 m Difficulty 4/6 - Tour of Stronie Slaskie Stage 2 - 74.5 km 2247 m Difficulty 3/6 - A loop of the Stronie Slaskie hills |  |  |  |
| | Stage 3 - 68 km 2172 m Difficulty 5/6 The tracks of the next part of the race will cross three mountain ranges. They will touch the northern part of The Śnieżnik Range and the peaks of The Bialskie Mountains at a height of 1062 (The Sucha Pass) and 922 meters above sea level (The Dział Pass). The wide metalled and cobbled tracks, characteristic for this region, will demand the right technique and increased vigilance on the downhills. Crossing the mountain glades, will reveal wonderful views. Providing that the weather is clear, it will be possible to see the wide panorama of The Sudety Mountains. |
| Undoubtedly, the most exceptional place will be The Borówkowa Mountain (900 m above sea level), requiring a very difficult and exciting descent down a narrow forest track surrounded by large stretches of blueberry bushes. |  |
 | Stage 4 - 44 km 1603 m Difficulty 5/6 Very demanding stage, with the unique track requiring concentration for its whole length. Technically difficult fragments will not forgive mistakes and lack of ability to fully control the bike. The trails will show no mercy to careless bikers. The Sowie Mountains are only 40 km long, but it’s just this short part which will come back to you in your nightmares. Characteristic points are the historic aqueduct, the biggest in this region of Europe, a fortified Prussian fortress with views from what also happens to be the highest point of the stage. |
| Stage 5 - 79.1 km 2267 m Difficulty 4/6 The sixth day of The Sudety MTB Challenge contains the finish line in the health-resort Kudowa Zdrój and is the last chance to relish real mountain biking. The stage begins with a long uphill climb in the Suche Mountains to the ruins of a 13th century castle, which, at the same time, is the highest castle in Poland. After crossing the non-existing border with The Czech Republic riders will be able to recover before entering The National Park, which will bleed remaining energy reserves dry. The finish of the six-day-long competition in The Stołowe Mountains guarantees additional emotions, which will remain in the memory for a long time. | |
Whatever happens, the next week is sure to be spectacular and, for me, it will provide the perfect springboard to a European adventure that will later involve time with my wonderful wife in the beautiful city of Prague and a chance to catch up with friends and family in sun-drenched England.
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