May MTB Madness promises a mountain biking extravaganza in Tobago

On the 5th and 6th of May, a new type of cycling event will take place in Tobago as the inaugural May MTB Madness — an off-road cycling event featuring two disciplines — takes centre stage. Presented by Tobago Mountain Bike Tours and Moon over Water Bar, and sanctioned by the Trinidad & Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF), May MTB Madness will consist of two key races: the Enduro and the Cross Country.

The races and courses

Enduro racing is essentially a timed, mainly downhill event with flat or climbing sections linking the course. The time for a rider’s run is usually about 20 minutes. It is a race against the clock that requires a high level of bike handling skills. The Cross Country race is styled on the international XCO (Cross-Country Olympic) format. It is a combination of fitness and bike handling skills. This tests a group of riders together in a multiple lap event over a course of approximately 4km.

The beautiful village of Sea View in Culloden will be the starting point of the Enduro Time Trial on Saturday 5th May at 2:00pm, finishing on the Tablepiece playing field at 5:30pm. Competitors will race against the clock and each other’s times. An event that is more about riders’ skills than their fitness, it is aimed at advanced riders. On Sunday 6th at 8:00am, the XCO race will start and finish on the Tablepiece playing field, concluding at approximately 12:30pm. This race is open for all skill levels. With a typical XCO course design, there will be points on the course where the riders have a choice between a shorter, faster, more technical line; and a longer, slower, easier line. This format is used by the UCI (International Cycling Union).

About the organisers

Tobago Mountain Bike Tours

Having been involved in surfing and mountain biking for many years, Eamon Healy-Singh from Tobago Mountain Bike Tours has seen the incredible potential of the trails in Tobago and wanted to bring an international race to his home island.

A vision for health & sustainability

Organisers are also aiming to create a small footprint event with sustainable values. All plastic bottles used at the event will be collected and brought for recycling to the Buccoo Community Centre, while glass will be taken to Morsehead Supermarket. To cut back on styrofoam and help reduce landfill waste, they will be using plant based compostable packaging from Hello Green Trinidad. May MTB Madness’ team believes that mountain biking, environmental awareness and health are what we are promoting for healthy living and a better future.

For more information, write or call tobagomountainbike@hotmail.com or (868) 332-5872.

Written by

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *