CONTACT

If you have any questions or would like to know more about Mud Sweat and Gears please contact:

EMAIL: matt.ewings@essex.gov.uk

PHONE: 01245 433249

MOBILE: 07879 117437

Welcome to Mud Sweat and Gears

Mud Sweat and Gears offers riders of all abilities the chance to participate in the exciting sport of mountain bike racing. Since 2006 we have grown from 120 participants to over 1500 participants in 2010. Despite this growth, Mud Sweat and Gears remains extreme fun for all. We continue to be proud and provide for our youth and grass roots following, whilst taking on a greater status within the racing calendar.

We look forward to seeing you on the start line soon.

Warm-Up Series

The warm-up series has been designed to build confidence and fitness before the start of the race season. The courses are shorter and less technical , but will provide you with a fantastic platform to get you into your racing groove!

Eastern Region MTB Series

Eastern Region MTB Series offers riders of all abilities the chance to test their fitness, nerve and bike handling skills at six great courses throughout Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. The series brings together established venues such as Thetford Forest and Langdon Hills alongside an exciting new course at Hylands Park, so whether you like free flowing trails or a tighter, more technical circuit, there is something for everyone.

Summer Enduro

For those riders that prefer to go the distance – we have a brand new event for this year! With 6hr, 8hr and 10hr races available, the summer enduro will provide you with ultimate test of endurance.

Weekday Blast

On the Wednesday before each major race you will have the opportunity to have a guided tour of the course. Starting at 6pm and finishing just before sunset, The Weekday Blast will provide you with an opportunity to build your confidence, develop your skills and socialise with friends.

Trips

In addition to offering events, we have also developed a number of fully inclusive action-packed MTB trips to Wales and France.

Mountain bike events for everyone, across the eastern region

Technical Considerations

First and full most, Mud Sweat and Gears has been designed to be fun for all, and by no means should riders worry themselves with the below information, as it will all be managed on the day by the Race Director and British Cycling. But for those who will be taking their racing seriously, a guide has been developed below:

Start:

To start each race the officials will call your category to the start area. They will then call up each category at a time – gridding (from round 2 onwards) the top 16 series contenders at the front. From there the category will then start the race on mass.

If there are fewer than 5 individuals in any category they may be combined with the alternate male/female category.

start

Laps:

Riders will race for a predetermined number of laps (notified on the day) with the winners being those who complete the designated number of laps in the quickest time. When the first rider in a category has completed those laps the race finishes and the remaining riders will be called in as they cross the line. The number of laps and therefore the race durations will be based on the British Cycling age category maximum and minimum race durations.

Please see the FAQ page for category explanations.

British Cycling Ranking Points:

As far as our races are concerned we have kept our categories simple. However, we understand that some of you are interested in British Cycling ranking points for your specific BC category and we want to help you get these. All entrants holding a racing licence placing in the top 15 (Regional A level) of their respective BC category (excluding Open categories) will gain BC ranking points.

A racing licence is no compulsory but is necessary to gain British Cycling ranking points. To see the benefits of becoming a British Cycling member please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership.

MOMENTS FROM 2011

  • Hylands Elite Race
  • Hylands Elite Race
  • Hylands Elite Race
  • Hylands Elite Race
  • Hylands Team CCN warming up
  • Hylands Youth Boys
  • Hylands Youth Girls
  • Hylands
  • Thetford
  • Thetford Kids Race
  • Thetford Elite Race
  • Thetford
  • Under 12s
  • Under 12s