THE MALVERNS CLASSIC: A PHOTO STORY

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WTB AT THE MALVERNS CLASSIC MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL

Another Malverns Classic is in the books—and wow, what a weekend! We pitched up with our UK distributor Saddleback, sharing a premium spot with some of the coolest brands across all categories.

The festival was as busy as ever, with non-stop racing for all ages thoughout the day giving way to live music deep into the night. The highlight for us though, was absolutely the campsite vibes... and maybe the RC crawlers?!

Here's a photo story for those that missed the show.

Rat Bike Dat Rat with WTB tires, grips and saddle

The Rat Bikes Dat Rat frame can take many forms. On show at their booth was the MTB hardtail and gravel build-outs, both finished with WTB tires and contact points. We think the Macro 2.4 tires worked particularly well in tan...

Retro WTB tattoo

Des from The Bicycle Repair Centre regularly stops by the booth at the Malverns, and it's always rad to see his Wilderness Trail Bikes tattoo. Side-note: Should we bring back those socks?

Chips and burgers at the WTB camp

Burger & chips was on the menu for the first night at camp, as was ice bold beer and gin & tonic for those more civilised.

Sunsets and beers at the WTB camp
The inflatable sofas were popular in the evenings, and the sunsets weren't too bad either.
Fajita night at the WTB camp
Saturday night was Fajita night. 
Coffee at the WTB camp courtesy of Saddleback
Josh from Saddleback (not pictured) made sure everyone was caffeinated and ready to rock every morning.
Eggs for breakfast at the WTB camp

Retro MTB race, won by WTB athlete Ryan Bevis
The Retro XC race featured a rolling start, allowing riders to parade through the arena before crossing the line and putting the power down.
Malverns DH Race won by WTB rider Marc Beaumont
Marc 'Slugger' Beaumont took the win in Saturday's DH race. His Trail Boss and Vigilante combo proved prefect for the mix of dirt and grass.
Gravel bike athlete Ryan Bevis in action
WTB athlete and gravel specialist Ryan Bevis took a convincing win in the Retro XC race, on board a 1989 Specialized Stumpjumper with 100% original spec. Yep - those are 36 year old tires!
Slugger taking home some silverware after winning the DH race on WTB tires

RC crawler fun at the WTB booth
The WTB RC crawler course did a great job of attracting people to the booth. We'll be back in '26 with something even better!
Axial SCX10 ii at the WTB booth

Who doesn't love a retro RC crawler?
It's always fun to embrace the inner child and just play with toy cars, isn't it?

So... What is the Malverns Classic anyway?

Malverns Classic: UK’s Biggest MTB Festival – Racing, Riding & Camping at Eastnor Deer Park

The Malverns Classic the UK’s largest and most inclusive mountain biking festival, held in the stunning Eastnor Deer Park, Herefordshire. This epic four-day festival unites riders of all ages—including families, friends, and dogs—for a legendary Bank Holiday weekend of riding, racing, camping, live entertainment, and more.

What's On:

  • All-ability riding, all weekend
    Whether you're racing or just riding for fun, all courses—including cross-country, downhill, enduro, dual slalom, pump track, and the famous lake ride—are open to everyone.

  • Epic races & iconic competitions
    From the Balance Bike World Championships (for toddlers aged 2–5) to youth-focused Rippers Racing (ages 4–11), plus e-Bike challenges, retro cross-country, and more—thrilling competitions run non-stop.

  • Trade expo, retro showcases & pro demos
    Discover over 100 trade stands featuring the latest bikes, parts, and gear. Dive into Retro MTB Show & Shine events and Dirt Wars dirt jump showcases that bring pro-level stunts to the Main Arena.

  • Unlimited family fun
    Alongside riding and racing, enjoy a free funfair with Ferris wheels, dodgems, trampolines, air-bag jumps, merry-go-rounds, and more—plenty to keep kids entertained nonstop.

  • Camping & facilities made for comfort
    On-site camping (often included in weekend passes) offers family and quiet zones, hot showers, free secure bike storage, 24-hour security, and medical support—ensuring a safe and comfortable stay.

  • Non-stop entertainment
    Headline DJs and live music each evening—including names such as General Levy, Artful Dodger, and Prodigy’s Leeroy Thornhill—plus a licensed bar, street food, and party vibes for all. 

Highlights & Growth:

  • As the UK’s biggest MTB festival, the Malverns Classic drew a total footfall of over 23,500 visitors in 2024, with capacity and popularity soaring year-on-year.

  • 2025 brought even steeper enduro stages, fresh gravel loops, more trails, and expanded musical offerings—all based on community feedback.


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