The Scott MTB Marathon is widely regarded as being the best travelling MTB circus in the UK and we're big fans of the series, We caught up With Dave Evans the director at Cycle-tec events the company behind the Scott Marathon Series to see how it all began!
First conceived way back in 1999 by the daddy of UK mountain biking, John Lloyd who thought it would be cool to showcase his local trails to the rest of the then growing MTB community. The one-off event called the Schwinn 100 was tough, really tough! At least 100km (it often turned out to be nearer 110km) of mountain trails, there was no GPS or digital mapping back then, and John really did like to punish!
Fast forward to 2008, Cycle-tec was born, a one-man band, Gareth Rowland who saw the need for specialist cycle events mechanic. A man in a van who rapidly became the go-to service for event organisers, particularly charity challenge type events across the globe but also the flourishing MTB-Marathon series, all the while Gareth gained vast experience, seeing events run well, and badly on and off road.
4 years and a quarter of a million miles of on the road life, living out of a bag later and a conversation over a few beers, Cycle-tec became a partnership, David Evans stepped forward and within a matter of weeks, premises were secured, renovated and mid Wales’s finest cycle store opened its doors, that very same day the 2012 Spring MTB-Marathon took place in Cycle-tec’s home town Builth Wells.
As Cycle-tec grew from strength to strength John Lloyd often dropped by the shop, which had now become the hub of all things cycle-related in mid wales, a kind of drop in centre, where the kettle is never cold and the banter hilarious, often harsh, just the way Gareth and Dave saw things turning out when they first discussed their plans. John, now overdue retirement, suggested that the Marathon series might be a useful purchase to add to Cycle-tec. A chance discussion with Nick Craig at a NPS race led to a meeting with Scott sports UK’s marketing team, a few signatures later and Cycle-tec Events Ltd was founded with Scott as headline sponsors of the now 7 event series.
2013 brought a whole change of direction for the series: new website, new venues and a real shift in focus from the whole race mentality to a more inclusive one, “how many other events out there will you see the UK’s finest elites toe the line with first time novices” says Gareth, “it’s a rare opportunity for the best to go for a spin together without the pressure of laps and clocks, of course they like to flex their muscles, they wouldn’t be elites if they weren’t competitive, but they really can pedal around our course fully supported and cross the line right next to a family who are taking on their first mini marathon, it’s all about the way Dave designs the courses.”
Since 2013 and Gareth and Dave taking the helm, the Scott MTB-Marathon series has really changed direction, it’s all about inclusive weekends: “the Scott marketing team, Phil, Shaun, Josh and Paul really get what we are trying to achieve, and of course Nick is the ultimate ambassador” says Gareth. The introduction of the Hopetech women’s ride and the Hopetech Academy kids skills sessions are the icing on the cake. “Don’t get us wrong it’s not just about elites, kids and families, we love the fact that gangs of mates come along for a great weekend with their cycling pals, they enjoy a few beers and a laugh but also a great ride, there’s something for everyone.”
Dipping your toe into the MTB scene and not sure where to start? Like the idea of riding events but intimidated by the seriousness of racing? You really should look no further that these events, hammer out 75km as fast as possible or take all day about 25Km, it’s up to you; no racing, no pressure, great camaraderie and the most experienced event staff in the business looking after you every inch of the way, multiple route options, free camping, on site catering, free pasta party, goody bag, t shirt, bikes from Scott, products from some of the biggest names in the cycle industry, what’s not to love?
If you are interested in giving the events a go but you are unsure what to expect then why not check out the recent race report from Builth Wells
There are 3 events left in the series, Why not sign up and see what you are missing out on!
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