MTB east Begins a New Chapter as a Community Interest Company
Since MTB east was founded, the aim has always been simple: organise well-run mountain bike events that are welcoming, enjoyable and give riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to race.

Over the years we've grown from a handful of events into one of the largest regional mountain bike race series in the country. Along the way we've been fortunate to work with fantastic riders, clubs, venues, volunteers and supporters from across the Eastern Region.
As MTB east has grown, so has the opportunity to do more.

That's why we've taken the decision to establish MTB east CIC (Community Interest Company).

Why become a Community Interest Company?
For most riders, very little will change. The races, the atmosphere and the people behind them remain the same.
The biggest difference is what happens behind the scenes.
A Community Interest Company exists to benefit the community rather than private shareholders. Any surplus generated is reinvested back into the organisation and its community objectives.
For MTB east, that means creating more opportunities for people to get involved in mountain biking, whether they're lining up for their first race, returning to the sport or competing regularly throughout the season.

Looking beyond race day
Whilst racing remains at the heart of MTB east, we've always believed that the sport is about far more than results.

The new CIC structure will allow us to develop projects that support mountain biking across the Eastern Region, including:

• encouraging more young people into the sport;
• creating opportunities for women and under-represented groups;
• supporting new riders who may never have considered entering an event before;
• developing coaching and skills sessions;
• working more closely with clubs, volunteers and local communities;
• improving access to mountain biking for riders of all abilities.

Our ambition is not simply to organise races, but to help strengthen the wider mountain biking community.
Investing back into cycling
One of the key reasons for becoming a CIC is that it opens the door to funding opportunities that simply weren't available before.
Grants and community funding can help us invest in equipment, coaching, volunteer development, rider participation and new initiatives that benefit the sport across the Eastern Region.
Rather than changing what MTB east is, this gives us the opportunity to build on what already exists.

Building on a proven track record
This isn't the start of MTB east.

It's the next stage of its development.
The experience, knowledge and passion that have built MTB east over the years remain exactly the same. The difference is that we now have a structure that allows us to reinvest more effectively into the future of the sport.

Sustainability matters
Mountain biking depends on the places we ride.
We're committed to reducing the environmental impact of our events wherever practical. Recent initiatives include replacing single-use plastic zip ties with reusable silicone ties and encouraging recycling at our events. As MTB east CIC develops, we'll continue looking for practical ways to reduce waste and improve sustainability without compromising the quality of the events we deliver.

Thank you
None of this would have been possible without the support of riders, parents, volunteers, clubs, venues, sponsors and everyone who has contributed to MTB east over the years.

Your support has helped create something we're incredibly proud of.
MTB east CIC is about ensuring that the organisation can continue to grow, support more riders and strengthen mountain biking across the Eastern Region for many years to come.

MTB EAST CIC is registered in England and Wales. Company number 17349989.
Registered office: 4 Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon, SS4 3RY

2026 Round-Up

First of all… how many people noticed the little love heart hidden on the course, and can anyone spot where it was? ❤️

That’s another season done and dusted (quite literally!).

A huge thank you to everyone who took part this year. I’d also like to give a massive shout-out to our sponsors:

* Epic Custom Kit for providing the winners’ jerseys.
* Squirt Cycling Products UK for all your bike maintenance needs.
* Performancecoaching.me
* MT ZOOM Racing for all those little bling upgrades to your bikes.
* And, of course, traversbikes.com.

A big thank you to everyone who helped on race day:

* Kevin Darragh, Adam March and Jon Smith on the comms team.
* Michael Bebbington and Vinnie on sign-on.
* Amanda Jones, Natalie Thomas and Jo Hitchen for running the timing. And Steve Pennock
* My parents for looking after the car park and marshalling.

I’d also like to thank the clubs that helped provide marshals throughout the season: Southend Wheelers, Rayleigh MTB Club and Hadleigh MTB Club.

Last but certainly not least, thank you to @ESSEX COMMUNITY FIRST AID EVENTS VOLUNTEERs and Farvies grill

Kevin also gave up his Saturdays before every race, walking the course with me to make sure everything we’d built was safe and ready to ride. He then stayed on afterwards to provide free coaching for the female riders.

Course preparation is also a never-ending process. Michael Bebbington, Rob, Pete Shrimplin and I spent many days before each race creating new lines, building features and getting everything ready for race day.

I’d also like to thank Stuart Carmichael and all of the team at Flitch bikes , who prepare and marshal the Gallows Green race.

Sorry if I’ve missed anyone. I genuinely couldn’t have done it without you all. Love you all.

I really appreciate everyone who took the time to reply to the Facebook feedback post. I’ve also received lots of emails and spoken to many people throughout the season. I’ll take all of your feedback into account and implement changes wherever they make the league stronger.

I’m currently speaking with British Cycling about the possibility of running the races under them again, as we did before 2020. It’s not an easy decision because they can be slow and inflexible to work with. If we do return, I still intend to keep the ability-based categories.

The main reason for considering it is that it would give local riders more opportunities to score ranking points for national events and improve grid positions. Hopefully it would also attract more elite riders and encourage more younger riders to race at MTB east. However, I won’t make the change unless I’m convinced it benefits the league as a whole.

One last thing… (in my best Columbo voice…)

We’ll be bringing back the MTB east season heat map for 2026!

Many of you will remember it from a couple of years ago. It combines every lap from all seven races and shows how every rider compares with everyone else across the whole league, regardless of category.

It’s not there to shame anyone. The aim is to give everyone a realistic idea of where they currently rank and whether they would be more competitive in another category.

Only the top three riders in S1 and S2 are required to move up, but anyone is welcome to promote themselves if they want a bigger challenge. As for moving down, I’ll leave that decision up to each individual rider.

Thanks again to everyone for making another fantastic season possible. See you all in 2027! 🚵

MTB EAST CIC is registered in England and Wales. Company number 17349989.
Registered office: MTB east CIC, 4 Pudsey Hall Lane, SS4 3RY

We’re looking at next season and would really value some honest feedback from riders, especially those who used to race our Elite and S1 categories.
We’ve noticed lower numbers this year and we’d like to understand why.
If you’ve raced with us before but not this season, or you’ve chosen other events instead, what influenced your decision?
It could be things like:
• National ranking points
• Calendar clashes
• Travel distance
• Entry costs
• Course style
• Gravel or e-bike racing
• Family or work commitments
• Something else entirely
We’re already talking with British Cycling about the possibility of our events offering national ranking points, although that’s proving to be a challenging process.
Please be constructive and honest. We’re genuinely looking for ways to improve and make the series more attractive for riders.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Today Wednesday 1st july is the last day you can enter round 7 of the MTB east League. The courses are reversed from round 6 with the added A and B line to the adults course.