CROSS COUNTRY
Racing the Cross Country mountain bike course at the Malverns Classic is a thrilling test of endurance, skill and strategy. Winding through the scenic grounds of Eastnor Deer Park, the course features a mix of fast open sections, technical singletrack and challenging climbs, including the legendary Classic Climb and Cannondale Ridge.
Riders of all levels push their limits as they navigate natural terrain, sharp corners and unpredictable descents. With enthusiastic crowds lining key sections and a festival atmosphere in the air, every lap is as exciting as it is demanding. It’s grassroots racing at its best, in one of the UK’s most iconic MTB settings.
THE XC RIPPERS!
Get ready for an exciting day of cross country racing designed just for young riders! The Kids XC offers a fun, entry level multi lap course, the ideal introduction to the world of XC racing.
Riders aged 6-11 will compete in an entry level course that winds around the two lakes on a flat, grassy course.
Riders aged 12–15 will tackle an extended version of the children’s course, incorporating the famous Classic Climb and the Ridge Line adding an extra challenge and thrill to their race!
THE RETRO RACERS!
Classic Bikes, Classic Course
Step back in time and relive the golden era of mountain biking!
The Retro Racers category takes on an extended cross country course that includes the Children’s XC loop, plus added elevation via the iconic Classic Climb and the Cannondale Ridge.
- Bikes must be from 2007 or earlier, no modern tech allowed!
- Retro race jerseys encouraged, lets celebrate the spirit of MTB’s glory days in style.
Dust off your vintage ride and show us how it’s done, the old skool way!
All riders must complete the online waiver, whether you’re racing or just riding for fun.
Save time at the event and get it done in advance:
No waiver = no riding. Don’t leave it to the last minute!
Please note: All bikes being ridden in the Main Arena and on any of the trails need a Ride Pass. This is separate to your Race Number Board if you have entered any races. Save time and buy your Ride Pass online HERE, and collect it with your festival wristband and waiver wristband from the ticket office.
Start: At the bottom of Golden Gates grass hill
-
£12.00 per racer payable in advance online for those aged 6 to 11 years of age
-
£15.00 per racer payable in advance online for those aged 12 to 15 years of age
-
£20.00 per racer payable in advance online for those racing the Retro Race
Entries are limited, so book early to secure your spot!
No British Cycling membership or race licence required
🟢Green – Easy
Our Balance Bike courses are specifically designed for young riders and feature:
-
Wide, grass riding surface
-
Gentle descent
-
Minimal obstacles
-
Short, achievable courses
-
Proper racing in a fun and supportive environment
Riders should have basic balance bike control and be able to ride independently for short distances.
Timing will be conducted via Transponders
-
Collection:
-
XC Rippers: All riders will be issued a transponder on Saturday between 09:00 and 10:30 at the XC Course Start Line.
-
XC Retro: All riders will be issued a transponder on Saturday between 14:00 and 15:00 at the XC Course Start Line.
-
-
Return after racing: Please return your transponder to the Dual Slalom Finish Line once you have finished racing.
The timing team will have cable tie cutters available to assist with removal. -
If you forget to return it: Don’t worry, transponders can be returned by post at your own cost.
Send it via recorded delivery directly to the timing company:
Action Sports Timing
For return instructions, please contact Chris Roberts at:
📧 [email protected] -
Unreturned Transponders: If you fail to return your transponder, Action Sports Timing reserves the right to recover the associated replacement costs.
Pre Entry Only
-
No on the day entries will be accepted
Sign In Location
-
Located in Race HQ in the main arena
-
Bring valid I.D. – Accepted forms:
-
Passport – Can be a picture on your phone
-
Birth Certificate – Can be a picture on your phone
No I.D. = No Racing
Sign In Process
Even if you’ve entered online, you must sign in at Race HQ to collect your race materials:
-
Your number board
-
Cable ties to attach it to the front of your bike
Number boards must be attached before the start of practice.
If you miss Sign-In during the scheduled times, you will not be allowed to practice or race.
Parents or legal guardians must complete the waiver/disclaimer for their child.
Rider Safety Equipment
All riders must wear appropriate safety equipment while on any course. This is not only for your protection but also a condition of participation.
Mandatory Equipment
-
Helmet – A properly fitted, certified mountain bike helmet is required at all times.
-
We recommend wearing a full face helmet for maximum protection.
-
Open face helmets are permitted, but use is at the rider’s discretion.
Strongly Recommended Equipment
-
Gloves – For grip, control and hand protection in the event of a fall.
-
Knee and Elbow Pads – To help protect against impact and abrasion injuries.
-
Protective Eyewear – To guard against dust, debris, insects and branches.
-
Sturdy Footwear – Closed toe shoes with good grip, no sandals or flip-flops.
-
Long Sleeves and Trousers – To reduce risk of scrapes and cuts on rough terrain.
-
Body Armour / Chest and Back Protection – Especially recommended for downhill or more technical trails.
Helmet Requirements
Helmets are compulsory for all riders at all times while on course.
Helmets must:
-
Comply with recognised safety standards (as outlined in General Regulations)
-
Be properly secured
-
Detachable mouthpieces are allowed, but must be securely attached according to the manufacturer’s instructions
Equipment Requirements
Your bicycle must be mechanically sound and capable of completing the course safely and efficiently. As a minimum:
-
The bike must be in good working order
-
Bar plugs are compulsory to prevent injury
-
All efforts must be made to ensure your safety and the safety of others
Book your race entry with confidence!
We offer a full refund of your race entry fee (less the booking fee) if your plans change.
No excuses or reasons needed, simply email [email protected] by 18:00 on Thursday 19th August 2027 and request a refund.
Please include:
-
Race entered
-
Rider’s name
-
Sex
-
Age category
Refund requests received after this deadline will not be accepted.
All riders must purchase a festival ticket to gain entry to the site, race entry does not include general admission.
-
Bring a reliable bike lock and secure your bike at all times when not in use.
-
Store bikes inside your vehicle whenever possible. For added security:
-
Use an old sheet to cover your bike
-
Remove wheels if needed
-
Use additional locks, even when the bike is inside the vehicle
-
Cover the bike again with another sheet to keep it out of sight
-
POV cameras are permitted during practice only and must be securely mounted to your bike (not helmet or body)
-
Each rider must familiarise themselves with all aspects and features of the course during practice
RACING SCHEDULE
Friday 20th August: Race Registration Closes
18:00 – That is the cut off time and date to enter online in advance (unless the race has sold out prior). There are no on the day entries.
Friday 27th August: Rippers XC Sign In
16:00 to 18:00 – Sign In
Saturday 28th August: Rippers XC
08:00 to 09:30 – Sign In
09:00 to 10:30 – Official Practice
10:30 – Girls aged 6 to 7
10:45 – Boys aged 6 to 7
11:00 – Girls aged 8 to 9
11:20 – Boys aged 8 to 9
11:40 – Girls aged 10 to 11
12:00 – Boys aged 10 to 11
12:30 – Girls aged 12 to 13
13:00 – Boys aged 12 to 13
13:30 – Girls aged 14 to 15
14:00 – Boys aged 14 to 15
Podiums for the top three in each category will take place at the main stage immediately after racing concludes.
Saturday 28th August: Retro Racers
13:00 to 14:30 – Sign In
14:30 to 15:30 – Retro Practice
15:30 – Retro Race Start
Podiums for the top three in each category will take place at the main stage immediately after racing concludes.