The Ridgeback Rippers Racing

Riders Ready, let’s go racing! Children aged from 4 to 11 years of age can race in this fun and competitive competition.

 

🏁 The Ridgeback Rippers is where the next generation of mountain biking legends begin their journey today

Open to riders aged 4 to 11 years of age the racing delivers fast, fun and competitive racing across a range of disciplines. Whatever course they are racing, these young shredders bring serious energy and excitement to the festival.

With purpose built courses tailored to their age and ability all in a in a safe and encouraging environment, experiencing the thrill of a full scale festival race weekend. It’s more than just competition, it’s about building confidence, learning race craft and making lifelong memories with friends and family. Expect big smiles, big support from the crowd and some seriously impressive riding from these future stars of the sport.

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:
👉 Complete your waiver here

No waiver = no riding. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

🚵‍♂️ Mountain Bike Trail Grade:

  • 🔵 Blue (Moderate)

    For: Intermediate riders

    • Narrower trails with moderate gradients

    • Small obstacles like rocks, roots and berms

    • Some steeper sections and technical features
      Skills Required: Good bike handling, braking and cornering control

💷 Entry Fee

  • £20.00 per racer payable in advance online
  • Note: There are no on the day entries

🛂 No Membership Required

You do not need to be a British Cycling member or hold a race licence to compete.

📍 Course Locations

Friday – Quad Eliminator, in the Main Arena Finish Straight

Saturday – Slalom, up the main tarmac exit road behind the main arena. We will be utilising the main dual slalom course as used on Friday for the National Championships.  Note: With the BMX style start gate

Sunday – Downhill, located up the main fire road towards the Obelisk then turn left 150 meters after the bomb hole.

🚫 No uplift will be provided or permitted. Riders must walk or ride back to the start line, which is a short 5-10 minute return.

GENERAL RULES

 

General Rules

Before entering, please note:

  • Full-Face helmets are compulsory
  • Everyone entering the festival has to purchase a festival ticket to gain entry
  • Bring a bike lock and ensure your bike/s when not sat on are locked up at all times
  • Bikes should be stored inside your vehicle when not being used (bring an old sheet and remove the wheels if need be). We then highly recommend you bring additional locks and lock the bike up further, even when inside your vehicles. Bring an additional sheet to cover over your bike/s in your vehicle
  • You DO NOT need to be a British Cycling Member or hold a race licence to enter
  • Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport with the distinct possibility of severe injuries, or even worse. No matter where you ride or how well you know the course you should never ride beyond your skill level and always ride in control and in a sensible manner. Riding in control does not just mean being able to stop, it also means having the requisite skills to recognise and avoid potentially dangerous situations on the course. You must also be able to recognise where it is safe to stop on the course. Avoiding accidents with other riders is an essential mountain biking skill. Riders must use the course in a sensible manner compatible with their level of experience. Riders should walk the course, observing current ground conditions, making yourself aware of any obstacles prior to riding the course. We ask riders to accept that they will ride the course at their own risk and accept that no liability can be accepted by the event organisers.
Four riders on the BMX style start gate, elbows out and go!

Friday 21st of August – The Ridgeback Rippers Quad Eliminator - Inside the Main Arena Finish Straight

Ridgeback Rippers Quad Eliminator 

Get ready for action packed, head to head racing as riders launch simultaneously from the four-man start gate, charging elbow to elbow into the first corner. The course is designed to be fast and flowing, with ample passing opportunities for the skilled and the daring. This adrenaline fueled event follows a simple elimination format with the top two racers from each round advancing, all the way to the super finals!

Location: Main Arena, down the finish straight.

Note: Full Face Helmets are mandatory. Open Face helmets are not allowed.

📡 Timing

    • Finish Line Officials

📅 Thursday, 20th August 

⏱ 15:00 –20:00 | Sign In for the Rippers Quad Eliminator

📅 Friday, 21st August 

⏱ 09:00 –13:00 | Sign In for the Rippers Quad Eliminator

⏱ 13:00 – 14:00 – Open Practice (All Riders)
⏱ 14:00 – 15:00 – Girls Racing
🏆 Girls Podium Ceremony: Immediately following racing, at the main stage (Top 3 in each category)
⏱ 15:00 – 17:00 – Boys Racing
🏆 Boys Podium Ceremony: Immediately following racing, at the main stage (Top 3 in each category)

Enter Here
Racing one at a time down the slalom course, the race is against the clock!

Saturday 22nd of August – The Ridgeback Rippers Slalom

The Rippers Slalom at the Malverns Classic is a crowd favourite and a perfect introduction to head-to-head racing for kids aged 4 to 11.

This Year, the Racing Just Got Real!
We’re taking it up a notch as young riders hit the very same course used for the Dual Slalom National Championships!

Riders will launch individually from the start line, navigating through colour-coded gates on a fast, flowing course. Only the quickest four in each category will make it to the Super Finals where the real battle begins.

The top qualifier earns the all-important gate pick before racing head-to-head from a BMX style start gate. It’s one race to decide it all:

  • 3rd vs 4th for the Bronze

  • 1st vs 2nd for Gold and Silver

Expect elbows out, adrenaline high, and racing that’s as thrilling to watch as it is to ride!

Open to all abilities, the Rippers Slalom encourages kids to give it a go, cheer each other on and enjoy the buzz of being part of a real mountain bike event.

Parents and spectators line the course to watch future champions in action, creating an electric and supportive vibe. Every rider gets a high-five, a huge cheer and leaves with a smile, because at the Malverns, everyone is a winner.

Location: Up the main tarmac exit road behind the main arena. We will be utilising the main dual slalom course as used on Friday for the National Championships.  Note: With the BMX style start gate

Note: Full Face Helmets are mandatory. Open Face helmets are not allowed.

📡 Timing

    • Light Beams

📅 Friday, 21st August 

⏱ 15:00 – 18:00 | Sign In for the Rippers Slalom

📅 Saturday, 22nd August 

⏱ 08:00 – 10:00 | Sign In for the Rippers Slalom

⏱ 10:00 – 13:00 – Open Practice (All Riders)
⏱ 13:00 – 14:00 – Girls Racing
🏆 Girls Podium Ceremony: Immediately following racing, at the main stage (Top 3 in each category)
⏱ 14:00 – 17:00 – Boys Racing
🏆 Boys Podium Ceremony: Immediately following racing, at the main stage (Top 3 in each category)

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:
👉 Complete your waiver here

No waiver = no riding. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

Enter Here
Downhill racing against the clock

Sunday 23rd of August – The Ridgeback Rippers Downhill

 

The Rippers Downhill at the Malverns Classic is back and better than ever, now featuring a brand new, extended and more challenging course designed specifically for riders aged 4 to 11. With more flowing corners, and gentle technical features, it offers young racers the thrill of downhill mountain biking in a safe and fun environment. It’s the perfect step up for confident kids who want to push their skills and experience the buzz of racing on a real course, just like the pros.

The course will be open for riding on Friday and Saturday to all children and their parents or guardians who purchase a Ride Pass, giving families the unique chance to ride the track together and build confidence before the big race. During official practice and racing, however, the course will be reserved exclusively for the young riders entered in the event, ensuring a safe and focused environment for competition. Whether they’re taking their first run or chasing the podium, the Rippers Downhill is all about creating unforgettable festival memories on two wheels.

Location: A brand new course. Located up the main fire road towards the Obelisk then turn left 150 meters after the bomb hole.

Note: Full-Face Helmets are mandatory. Open Face helmets are not allowed.

📡 Timing

    • Light Beams

📅 Saturday, 22nd August 

⏱ 14:00 – 17:00 | Sign In for the Rippers Downhill

📅 Sunday, 23rd August 

⏱ 09:00 – 10:30 | Sign In for the Rippers Downhill

⏱ 10:30 – 12:30 – Open Practice (All Riders)
⏱ 12:30 – 13:30 – Girls (One race run each so make it count)!

⏱ 13:30 – 15:30 – Boys (One race run each so make it count)!
🏆 Podium Ceremony: Immediately following racing, at the main stage (Top 3 in each category)

Enter Here

Sign In

✅ Pre-Entry Only

  • All race entries must be completed online in advance.

  • No on the day entries will be accepted

📍 Sign In Location

  • Located in the main arena at Race HQ

  • 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 to collect:

  • 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 race registration during the scheduled times (listed above), you will not be allowed to practice or race.

📡 Timing

    • Timing will be conducted via light beam sensors

    • No transponders are required

📆 Categories

Based on the rider’s age on the day of the race. This is also the running order for the races

Girls; 4 years, 5 years, 6 years 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years and 11 years of age

Boys; 4 years, 5 years, 6 years 7 years, 8 years, 9 years, 10 years and 11 years of age

RULES

🔧 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

Full Face Helmets are compulsory for all riders at all times while on course.

Only full-face helmets are permitted

  • 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

🎥 Cameras and Course Practice

  • POV cameras are permitted during practice only and must be securely mounted to your bike (not helmet or body)

  • Each rider must complete at least two full runs of the course during practice

❗Important Reminders

  • Missing your start slot or call-up = disqualification

  • If you have any questions, contact:

Si Paton
Event Director
📧 [email protected]
📞 Call/Text: 07968 229 359 (08:00–20:00, 7 days a week)