Launching alongside the 2025 European events – the SPAR Swiss Epic, Andorra Epic Pyrenees, and 4Islands Epic – Explore gives more riders the opportunity to experience the challenges and the celebrations of the Epic Series. Boasting an individual rider, limited to a small number of participants, two-day format each Explore event will place mountain bikers within the race village to immerse them in the overall event. Even though there are fewer stages and therefore a less demanding overall race, the memories created will last a lifetime and perhaps inspire participation in a full Epic Series event in the future...

“We are excited to announce the Explore concept to the global mountain biking market and believe it will resonate with many riders who have aspired to take part in an Epic Series event but felt it was out of reach,” Jonathan Meintjes – Head of Mountain Biking EMEA at The IRONMAN Group – said. “Each Explore event will feature iconic destinations and premium service, but less demanding than the typical four-to-five-day Epic Series race.

This shorter format ensures that riders of varying abilities and fitness levels can enjoy some of the same remarkable trails, breathtaking scenery, and immersive community spirit that the Epic Series is known for, without the extensive commitment required for the main event. These Explore events will welcome both seasoned racers and newcomers alike, providing an unforgettable two days of riding, camaraderie, and pure enjoyment; both on and off the bike.”

The inaugural Explore event will take place during the 2025 4Islands Epic, from 15 to 19 April next year. Registrations will be individual, and access will be limited to a small number of cyclists to ensure the best experience. These intrepid Explorers will take part in the two first stages of the race, they are not confirmed yet, on the Kvarner islands in the Adriatic Sea. Thereafter, Explore participants can register to ride alongside the Andorra Epic Pyrenees and SPAR Swiss Epic campaigners from 3 to 6 July and 13 to 17 August, respectively.

Each of these rides will showcase the remarkable beauty of the regions within which the Epic Series events take place and highlight the incredible riding on offer too. “The Explore events are like a teaser, offering a tantalising taste of all the things which makes the Epic Series so special,” Meintjes smiled. “Taking part in an Explore event could be the hook which gets you into stage racing or reignites the fire to train for a longer race in the future.”