Length: 7 days

Distance: 872km (120, 126, 148, 175, 170, 47TT, 86)

Elevation: 13,748m (2900, 2240, 2000, 2540, 1730, 850, 1488)

Categories: Elite (Khan), Sportsman (18-32), Masters1 (33-42), Masters2 (43-49), Senior (50+), Female, Tandem, Team of 3

Race Director: Willy Mulonia

Email: info@mongoliabikechallenge.com

Website: http://www.mongoliabikechallenge.com/en/

Organizing a stage race of this size in Mongolia is not an easy task and Willy Mulonia has achieved wonders in difficult circumstances. The route for the MBC is extremely well-planned and thoroughly researched and an excellent team was assembled for the 2014 edition. Several riders did take wrong turns but all riders had access to downloadable GPS maps before the event. On the whole, the food was excellent, but on a couple of days the servings were paltry. There was no little or no phone and internet access (this is Mongolia after all), but there was no reason why results were not displayed and were only published on the last two stages. Facilities are basic and be prepared for hole-in-the-ground toilets and freezing cold showers.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is not the easiest place to travel to, and flights are limited. Lost luggage, plane cancellations and delays are not uncommon. Riders arrive at  Ulaanbaatar two days before the race for the official presentation. The following day, riders are transferred to the Chinggis Khan Complex (1.5 hours), ready to start the race the next day.

Event: 1390-1790 Euros - A$2000-A$2600 (dependent on time of entry)

Country: Extremely cheap. The currency is the Togrog although American Dollars are accepted.

In September, temperatures range from -5 degrees at night to 22 degrees, with around 12 hours of daylight and a high possibility of light rain, although thunderstorms, moderate rain and moderate snow are possible. The 2014 edition, enjoyed unseasonably warm weather and only a mere sprinkling of rain, although morning and night temperatures were very cold.

Daily Distances range from 86km-175km with climbing between 1488m-2900m and so the race is difficult physically. The stages are not particularly technical although there are some tough climbs and very fast descents. Day 4 (Marathon Queen Stage) is the toughest at 175 km and is followed by a slightly easier day of 170 km.

Number: 70

Level: The race site states that this race is for professional and high level amateurs although there were a small number who were riding purely to survive.

An experience that would be hard to duplicate anywhere else in the world. You ride on the lonely steppes (grassy plains) of Mongolia across extreme deserts, mountain passes, unspoiled rivers, with scenes of rare beauty. Mongolia is the least populated country in the world and represents a step back in time where people still live a simple, nomadic life.

Riders share a lot of time together, both on the bike and after, while sharing in Gers (fur-lined tents), cabins and 8-man tents. Riders suffer together, while experiencing the highs and lows of such an arduous race. There is a great camaraderie between all riders, regardless of level or nationality.

An incredible experience, which is unlike any other stage race considering the remote locations raced in. It is physically tough, with long distances covered, particularly with back-to-back 170 / 175 km days on day 4 and 5. On the other hand, it is not particularly technical, although it does involve some tough climbs, fast descents and a fair number of river and water crossings, particularly on Day 2 and 3. This is a race that should be done at least once in your life!

The Organisers have been successfully delivering the popular Cape to Cape in Western Australia (23-26 October) for years and this was the inaugural event in Eastern Australia. The event proved a great success but heavy rainfall the night before Stage 2 turned a small section of the course into deep mud and could have been avoided. The next day, the course was altered and shortened and this proved to be an excellent decision. The organisation is bound to improve in future years.

For Australians this is an easy event to participate in, with the race taking place just 160 km north of Sydney. Transport by car takes two hours, and there are rail and bus options available. Newcastle Airport is just 25 minutes from Newcastle City Centre.

4 days: $

In late May, the weather tends to be around 18-22 degrees. In 2014, we started and finished the event with sunny, warm days but a night time downpour before the second stage resulted in wet, muddy conditions for Stage 2 and 3.

The first stage is fairly flat but there are a number of tricky sandy sections. The second and third stage are in the Hunter Valley Wine Region, with Stage 2 being very hilly. The fourth and final stage is fast and a lot is ridden on bike tracks in groups. The beach section is quite long and challenging to ride and will require a thorough bike service after the event.

The standard at the pointy end of the race was high with some of Australia's top elite riders (Andy Blair and Jenny Faye) competing. The motto of the race organisers is 'it's a ride not a race' and the event is aimed at being fun and challenging.

The iconic scenery of Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley incorporates world-class wineries, stunning beaches, ocean baths, arts, culture, gourmet food and boutique accommodation. Day 1 starts and finishes at Port Stephens, Nelson's Bay, Day 2 and 3 take in the views and wineries of the Hunter Valley and Day 4 moves from Lake Macquarie and finishes at Nobby's Beach Reserve.

Unlike other stage races, the accommodation is organized by individuals and this means that riders are only together for the duration of the race itself. On the other hand, most of the riders compete regularly against each other and so there is the usual amount of camaraderie found in all local events.

The Port to Port is a very good event, which will continue to develop and grow in the future. Australian riders looking for an introduction to stage racing, which is fairly cheap and accessible, should look no further than this event.

Organiser: World Wide Sports Agency PY LTD, Gerhard Schönbacher, 12 Satellite Street, 4879 Clifton Beach, Australia

ABN: 29 147 922 549

Phone: +61 438 250154+61 438 250154

Email:  schoenbacher@croc.at

Website: http://www.crocodile-trophy.com/index.php?id=1

Accommodation: Camping (A tent service is also available). Cabins and motels also available in some locations.

Food: Substantial & nutritious breakfast and dinner

Transport: Luggage is securely transported to all event centres and to the final destination.

Mechanical Support: Bike Wash and Dedicated Mechanics

Massage: Team of Masseurs

Medical support: Medical Personnel & Royal Flying Doctor Service

Arrival and Departure from Cairns Airport in Northern Queensland

Event: $2,490.

Country: Australia is a relatively expensive country to visit for most international visitors. The currency is Australian Dollars.

 October, in Cairns, boasts average temperatures between 21-25 degrees (28 degrees average high) and 9 hours of sunshine with 50mm of rain in 10 days. The race moves from the Tropical north, over the Atherton tablelands into the outback, where temperatures are hotter and there is little rainfall. 

The race incorporates a variety of challenges, from world class singletrack in Smithfield, spectacular rainforest roads, jeep trails, old convict roads,sandy trails, cattle routes, and far less dirt roads, dust and corrugations than previous editions. For some stages, riders should be accustomed to riding in a large peloton and groups, and rehydration is a significant factor in the hot sun.

Number: Around 100 riders, the majority from Western and Central Europe, although the event has seen increased participation from Australia in recent years.

Level: Experienced amateurs and professionals.

The route is forever changing and is becoming more accommodating to pure mountain bike riders. The route takes advantage of the World Cup trails at the purpose-built mountain bike park at Smithfield, the Atherton tablelands and rainforest, and the distinctly unique trails in the outback.

It has been said that riding in the Crocodile Trophy is an investment which will forever reap rewards. The incredible friendliness of the event is further enhanced by the set-up where all riders sleep and eat together and share stories of the days' heroics and failures. Without doubt, some of my greatest riding friends and contacts have sprung from this event.

The Crocodile Trophy is an event I would recommend, without hesitation, to decent amateurs and above. It is exceptionally well organized and extremely unique. The stages are fairly long, but not particularly technical. The camaraderie is second to none and friends made at this event will be friends for life. This is the event that launched my stage racing career and one from which I will never look back. Everyone should do it!

Organiser: G&G Promotion Grzegorz Golonko, ul. Baczynskiego 2/12, 05-092 Lomianki, Poland

Phone:  +48 501 26 33 00

Email:  info@MTBchallenge.com

Website: www.MTBchallenge.com

Accommodation: Hotels or Standard (School Classroom / Sports Halls)

Food: Substantial & Nutritious Breakfast and Dinner

Transport: To & from the airport, to & from restaurants

Mechanical Support: Secure Bike Park, Bike Wash and Dedicated Mechanics

Massage: Large Team of Masseurs

Medical support: Medical Personnel & Mountain Rescue Teams

Event: 280-400 Euros depending on time of entry. This is one of the cheapest stage races available.

Country: Poland is still a relatively inexpensive country to visit for most international visitors. The currency is zloty or Euros.

July is the warmest month of the year in Poland, with comfortable average temperatures between 12-19 degrees (25 degrees average high) and 10 hours of sunshine but with 60mm of rain in 17 days it is still quite wet.

The mountains in the Sudety are not as high as other races (the highest Sniezka is 1602 metres) but the climbs can be fairly long and technical and the descents can be fast or extremely steep and rocky and will challenge even the best mountain bikers.

Number: Around 350 riders from 5 continents and 34 countries.

Level: Experienced amateurs and professionals.

The route is changed every year to take advantage of the unique beauty and varied terrain that the region offers. A mix of singletrack, doubletrack, wider dirt roads and a sprinkling of sealed roads, through wooded forests and mountain passes.

A strong Euro presence with the number of non-Polish riders increasing every year. The friendliness of the event is enhanced by staying in the standard accommodation as riders share accommodation and eating facilities.

The Sudety MTB Challenge is an event I would wholeheartedly recommend to experienced amateurs and above. It is extremely well organized, relatively cheap and boasts beautiful landscapes and vistas. Even though the stages are not particularly long, the climbs and descents are demanding so a certain amount of technical ability is required to fully enjoy the experience. I combined my trip with a stop at Cracow, Poland and one in Prague, Czech Republic, two cities of unparalleled beauty.