— The 4-day EPIC stage race adventure through the wild Carpathian mountains in Romania is set to be an exciting and life changing experience. We welcome both UCI, seasoned and amateur riders to experience the stunning scenery, a challenging race, a friendly & relaxing atmosphere at the end of the day and the high standard services of an Olympic level Race Village.

The 4-day EPIC includes a Prologue and 3 daily stages. The Prologue (Thursday, August 1st) is an XCT-type race (cross-country time trial) whose results will be used to determine the competitors order at the Start line for Stage 1. Each of the 3 stages is run on a distinct cycling route: Stage 1 on Friday (August 2nd) – 43 km, with 2,150 m of climbing; Stage 2 on Saturday (August 3rd) – 60 km, with 2,850 m of climbing; Stage 3 on Sunday (August 4th) – 60 km, with 2,500 m of climbing.

— The whole length of each course will be marked by a highly experienced team led by Romanian multiple mountain bike national champion, Razvan Juganaru. Check points, aid & technical stations and nutrition points are available throughout each course.

— Short, yet fierce. The Prologue offers a glimpse into the journey ahead. It is The Gate to your personal journey, preparing you for the iconic spectacle yet to come. Set in the vicinity of the Race Village, the XCT-type race (cross-country time trial) will determine the start line positions of the first stage. The race also contributes to the general rankings and is mandatory.

— The journey starts at the border between ages and worlds, in a place of myth and legend, the Bucegi Mountains. You will plunge into dramatic landscapes that bring forward the intricate structures of old mountain roads and mountain crosses laying dormant, waiting to be discovered. They stand testament to the passing of time, as Pillars of creation, untouched and glorious. Separated from your past experiences, embrace the iconic spectacle of the windswept peaks, razor sharp crags, rugged slopes and breathtaking descents as you reconnect with nature and experience true, proper MTB.

— The second stage is the catalyst to your journey. Set forth in Europe’s last great expanse of pristine forest, ride through high alpine meadows, secret mountain passes and experience a spectacular example of the raw power of nature, offered by the tracks. Clench your teeth, fight the fierce yet legendary landscape but open your soul to the forces that have shaped these lands for thousands of years. Surpass all challenges and discover the true nature of MTB, which you only guessed existed. Unaltered. Unspoiled. Primal. Victory and a new frontier for your own personal journey of discovery is right there, just behind The Wall.

— Fast and technical, cradled beneath the mountains’ jagged peaks, the final stage of Carpathian MTB Epic opens up a mountain paradise and brings you closer to the end of your journey. Strong and dramatic, The Forge brings to life the energy of these lands, that have the power to transform. The secret of Europe is now yours to behold in all its glory and shapes your roots, as mountain biker.