PARTY IN THE PARK

With summer fast approaching, we look forward to one of the best events on the UK MTB calendar – the GT Bicycles Malverns Classic

After the successful rebirth of the Malverns Classic last year, we’re looking set for an even bigger and better MTB festival at Eastnor Park in 2019. Here’s what we expect to be some of the event highlights ....

ACTION-PACKED RACING From the deceptively challenging crosscountry to the chaos of the dual slalom, the Malverns Classic was always famous for its racing, and this year is sure to be no exception. Expect thrilling action all weekend, including the dual slalom, downhill, XC, quad eliminator and enduro. As ever, we’re anticipating the infamous bombhole to deliver the most carnage.

EXPO AND DEMO RIDES With more than 120 brands showing off their products, you can get up close and personal with all the trick stuff you’ve been admiring from afar. Plus, more than 30 bike companies are offering demo rides over the three-day festival, so you can test out that bike you’ve always dreamed of (pre-registration required). With all the tracks open to the public outside of racing and practice, there’s no excuse not to take something cool out for a cruise.

TRP LAKE RIDE The lake has always been a prominent feature at the Malverns, and this year, on the Saturday evening it retakes centre stage for the TRP Lake Ride. Brave challengers will battle head-to-head in a dual race across the water, to see who can reach the other side first. DIRT WARS & WHIP-OFF CHAMPS Saturday night will see the country’s best dirt jumpers compete for glory in round three of the Dirt Wars series, followed on Sunday morning by the National Whip-Off Championships. Expect to see some ridiculous talent throwing some equally ridiculous shapes during both events.

KIDS GO FREE The organisers haven’t forgotten about the groms – entry to the festival is free for children aged 12 and under, as are all the kids’ attractions, including the Strider Skills Area, dodgems, bucking bronco, bouncy castle slide, trampolines, merry-go-round, airbag and pump track. They can even join in the racing at the Strider Dual Slalom!

FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE With live bands, DJs, a large marquee and licensed bar, you can still let your hair down. Surrounded by thousands of like-minded people and even more bikes, what’s not to love about the GT Bicycles Malverns Classic? We’ll be there too, so come over and say hello! Early bird weekend pass £44* Covers visitors aged 13 and over with entry, camping and spectating from Thursday afternoon

Early bird day pass £16.50*

Kids 12 and under go free www.malvernsclasssic.com