Ready to take on the Classic Climb?
Racing cross country at the Malverns Classic is a proper test of endurance, skill and strategy. The course winds through Eastnor Deer Park with fast open sections, technical singletrack and tough climbs, including the legendary Classic Climb and Cannondale Ridge.
With crowds lining the key sections and a festival atmosphere all around, every lap is as exciting as it is demanding. Grassroots racing at its best, in one of the UK’s most iconic MTB settings.
Entries open Sunday 1st November 2026.
From £12 per rider. Online entry only, closes Friday 20th August 2027 at 18:00. Every rider needs a festival ticket.
The races
Rippers 6 to 11
Saturday 28th August · £12
A flat, grassy multi lap course around the two lakes. The perfect first taste of XC racing.
Rippers 12 to 15
Saturday 28th August · £15
An extended version of the kids course, adding the famous Classic Climb and the Ridge Line.
Retro Racers
Saturday 28th August · £20
Bikes from 2007 or earlier only. The kids loop plus the Classic Climb and Cannondale Ridge. Retro jerseys encouraged.
Rippers race on Saturday morning by age and category. Retro Racers start at 15:30 on Saturday afternoon.
What do I need?
Festival Tickets
Every rider needs a festival ticket. Race entry does not include general admission.
Race Entry
Enter online before Friday 20th August at 18:00. There are no entries on the day.
Online Waiver
All riders must complete the waiver, whether racing or just riding for fun.
Ride Pass
Needed to ride in the Main Arena and on the trails. Separate to your race number board.
On the day: Sign In at Race HQ with valid ID to collect your race number board and cable ties, then head to the course for practice and racing.
Racing schedule
Race registration closes Friday 20th August at 18:00. There are no on the day entries.
| 16:00 to 18:00 | Sign In for Rippers XC |
| 08:00 to 09:30 | Rippers XC Sign In |
| 09:00 to 10:30 | Rippers XC 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 |
| 13:00 to 14:30 | Retro Racers Sign In |
| 14:30 to 15:30 | Retro Racers Practice |
| 15:30 | Retro Race Start |
Podiums for the top three in each category take place on the Main Stage straight after racing.
Everything else you need to know
Entries
Entry Fee
£12 for riders aged 6 to 11, £15 for riders aged 12 to 15 and £20 for the Retro Race. Pre-entry online only. Entries are limited, so book early to secure your spot.
Before you ride
Waiver
All riders must complete the online waiver, whether racing or just riding for fun. No waiver, no riding. Get it done in advance and save time at the event.
Where to find us
Course Location
The start is at the bottom of the Golden Gates grass hill.
On the day
Timing
Racing is chip timed by Action Sports Timing. Full transponder details are in the Timing tab below.
Good to know
Membership
No British Cycling membership or race licence required.
Good to know
Festival Ticket Required
All riders must purchase a festival ticket to gain entry to the site. Race entry does not include general admission.
Sign in, timings and more
Entered online? Great. You still need to sign in at Race HQ before you can practise.
Timing will be conducted via Transponders
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Collection:
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XC Rippers: All riders will be issued a transponder on Saturday between 09:00 and 10:30 at the XC Course Start Line.
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XC Retro: All riders will be issued a transponder on Saturday between 14:00 and 15:00 at the XC Course Start Line.
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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.
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POV cameras are permitted during practice only and must be securely mounted to your bike (not helmet or body)
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Each rider must familiarise themselves with all aspects and features of the course during practice
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:
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Race entered
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Rider’s name
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Sex
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Age category
Refund requests received after this deadline will not be accepted.
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
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Helmet – A properly fitted, certified mountain bike helmet is required at all times.
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We recommend wearing a full face helmet for maximum protection.
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Open face helmets are permitted, but use is at the rider’s discretion.
Strongly Recommended Equipment
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Gloves – For grip, control and hand protection in the event of a fall.
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Knee and Elbow Pads – To help protect against impact and abrasion injuries.
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Protective Eyewear – To guard against dust, debris, insects and branches.
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Sturdy Footwear – Closed toe shoes with good grip, no sandals or flip-flops.
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Long Sleeves and Trousers – To reduce risk of scrapes and cuts on rough terrain.
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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:
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Comply with recognised safety standards (as outlined in General Regulations)
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Be properly secured
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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:
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The bike must be in good working order
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Bar plugs are compulsory to prevent injury
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All efforts must be made to ensure your safety and the safety of others
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Bring a reliable bike lock and secure your bike at all times when not in use.
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Store bikes inside your vehicle whenever possible. For added security:
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Use an old sheet to cover your bike
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Remove wheels if needed
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Use additional locks, even when the bike is inside the vehicle
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Cover the bike again with another sheet to keep it out of sight
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.
Still need to speak to someone?
Si Paton
Event Director
Call/Text: 07968 229 359 (08:00–20:00, 7 days a week)
Enter the Cross Country
Three ways to race, from £12. Entries open Sunday 1st November 2026.