VisitMalta will host Europe’s first urban long-distance mountain biking event the weekend of November 23 & 24, 2024. Malta, a Mediterranean archipelago, provides a perfect venue for thousands of cyclists and fans from across the globe to partake in the excitement of a one-of-a-kind cycling event surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Valletta, the Capital, and Fort St. Angelo. Bikers from around the world will compete in a setting made famous by entertainment blockbusters like Jurassic World Dominion, Game of Thrones, and Assassins Creed. Competitors will face off individually against the clock across five special stages, running through the narrow streets with courses featuring thrilling staircase descents, purpose-built wall rides, and jaw-dropping features. Spectators will be within close reach of the action, promising a truly memorable, totally free, experience.
Bikers will be competing for a top cash prize, over $15,000 [USD], one of the largest prize amounts ever seen in long-distance mountain biking with equal prizes for male and female categories. Malta is committed to bolstering its Sports Tourism sector and furthering the prominence of cycling on the island. Following an extended partnership with road cycling team Polti Kometa and sponsorship of the esteemed cycling race Giro d’Italia, Malta is now venturing into the mountain bike realm.
Hon. Clayton Bartolo, Malta’s Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness stated, “Sports Tourism is an up-and-coming niche within Malta’s hospitality industry. It forms an integral part of our well-thought-out plan to ensure that tourism inflows to the Maltese Islands are spread throughout the year. Therefore, we are optimistic that sports events of this caliber will certainly reaffirm the Maltese Islands’s reputation as a sports hub for international events and tournaments for the months and years to come.”
‘The Maltese Islands are year-round destinations appealing to a very wide audience of travelers of different ages and interests,” added Carlo Micallef, CEO, of Malta Tourism Authority. Joining forces with VisitMalta; the event is being delivered by media powerhouse Extreme International with their 16+ million-strong social media fanbase, award-winning production agency Dream Beach Media, and acclaimed route builders Trail Tools. Combining their expertise to deliver a memorable weekend of cycling, entertainment, and festivities that will captivate both participants and audiences alike.
With the support of the Malta Cycling Federation, the event also ranked as a Class 3 (C3) Enduro (Long Distance) Event on the UCI (The International Cycling Union) MTB (Mountain Bike) Calendar. This designation not only contributes points towards the UCI Rankings but also includes a prize money component, enhancing the competitive spirit of the event.
Top International UCI World Cup & Red Bull riders are already signing up to show off their impressive skills.
