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The first round of the 2025 Welsh Enduro Series at Llandegla marked a significant moment for the UK enduro scene, especially in the wake of the recent departures of key series like PMBA and Tweedlove. For many riders, including myself, the event symbolized the resilience and enduring spirit of enduro racing in the UK. Growing up in West Yorkshire, my racing roots were deeply tied to the PMBA Enduro Series, and its closure felt like the end of an era. However, the Welsh Enduro Series has stepped up as one of the remaining pillars of the sport, and its opening round at Llandegla demonstrated that the essence of enduro is still very much alive.
Llandegla, a trail centre east of Wrexham, had previously been dismissed by some riders as tame or overly trail-centre-oriented. However, the course designers for this event struck a perfect balance by blending natural, loamy, off-piste sections with pedally trail centre loops and demanding sprint efforts. This combination created a diverse and challenging race that tested every aspect of a rider’s skill set. The course catered to a wide range of abilities, with technical, rooty sections challenging some riders, while others thrived on the fitness-demanding sprints and sustained efforts.
The event loop was thoughtfully designed to avoid monotonous fire road transitions, instead opting for scenic singletrack through the forest. While this routing drew some complaints about longer transitions, it added to the overall experience, reinforcing the idea that enduro is more than just descending. The day was a mix of hard racing and enjoyable riding, with each stage offering unique challenges.
Stage 1 kicked off with a demanding section of “Natural Selection,” a root-heavy, newly felled area that immediately tested riders’ technical skills. This was followed by a fast trail centre section, a grueling uphill fire road sprint, and a finish on the shallow gradient of “Dave The Fox.” This stage set the tone for the day, showcasing the blend of natural terrain, trail centre speed, and fitness demands that would define the event.
Stage 2 began with a slight uphill singletrack sprint before transitioning into the flowy “B Line,” complete with small jumps and rollers. However, the stage quickly shifted to a steep, loose, and loamy wood section, where a clever high-line choice became the highlight for many riders. This blend of flow and technicality kept riders on their toes.
Stage 3 was more rooted in natural terrain, starting with a steep, rooty descent followed by a short road sprint. The stage then returned to loose, greasy natural trail, culminating in a sharp left turn into a punishing fire road climb. This corner was particularly tricky, with some riders opting to run rather than pedal. The stage finished with a technical section through stumps and roots, offering riders the chance to pick creative lines.
Stage 4 was a short, fast finale, devoid of off-piste sections but including a mid-stage climb that riders could attack with full effort, knowing it was the last of the day. The stage featured flat-out sections, rock gardens, and rollers, providing a fun and energetic conclusion to a tough day of racing.
The event was a testament to the strength of the UK enduro community, with riders of all ages and skill levels coming together to push their limits. Despite the challenges facing the sport, the spirit of enduro was palpable, from the camaraderie among riders to the demanding yet rewarding course.
In terms of results, Hunter Macrone (Senior 21-29) stood out as the fastest rider of the day, completing the course in under eight minutes. Becci Skelton (35-44) claimed the fastest women’s time, narrowly edging out Opal Barber (U21) by four seconds. In the youth categories, Alex Vickery (U15) and Alex Carson (U18) dominated their fields, while Sam Powell (U21) clinched his category by a mere 0.2 seconds. Holly Bradbrook (Senior Female 21-29) made an impressive comeback after a slow start, winning her category by three seconds. As for myself, I was pleased with a fifth-place finish in a competitive Senior 21-29 category, though I noted the need to improve my fitness for future races.
The event was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Adrian and the Welsh Enduro Series team, as well as One Planet Adventure and the Llandegla crew. The weather was mostly kind, and the day was a perfect blend of challenging racing and community spirit. With this strong start to the series, I’m excited to see what the rest of the season has in store, especially given that Llandegla was billed as the more “tame” opener. If this round is any indication, the future of UK enduro racing looks bright.
