BikePark Wales has announced a four-round Winter Downhill Series for 2026/27, giving MTB and eMTB riders a reason to keep the race kit handy between November and February. Race-day entry costs £64 including uplift, with a £112 weekend option adding Saturday practice uplift.
The racing uses the park’s more demanding red and black natural trails. This is a chance to put familiar bike-park skills against the clock, but the terrain deserves respect: a timed run is not the place to discover that steep roots and rocks are beyond your comfort zone.
Four rounds, four different tracks
- 15 November 2026 — Ych A Fi
- 13 December 2026 — Boomslang
- 17 January 2027 — Root Manoeuvres
- 21 February 2027 — 50 Shades of Black
Saturday practice precedes each Sunday race. The published Sunday timetable has sign-on from 8am, practice from 9.30am and timed runs at 12.30pm and 2pm, followed by podiums at 4.30pm. The selected race track closes on the preceding Thursday and Friday for preparation.
What eMTB riders need to know
The minimum race age is 13, rising to 14 for riders entering on an e-bike. Riders aged 15 or younger may use the marshalled race track without an accompanying adult on race day, but need an adult on other park trails and during un-marshalled practice days. Check the organiser’s category rules before entering, particularly if a birthday changes your age group during the series.
BikePark Wales says the rest of the park will remain open during race weekends, with its usual winter uplift capacity. That should make a weekend entry useful beyond the timed runs, although riders still need to follow closures and the day’s operating instructions.
Plan the weekend before entering
For a UK rider, the appeal is straightforward: organised winter racing with uplift, rather than having to build an entire trip around a summer event. Give yourself time to learn the course and check braking, tyre condition and suspension setup before the weekend.
See the official race entry page for tickets and current conditions, and the organiser’s announcement for the series outline. Our UK bike-park guide helps with the wider trip, while our eMTB trail tyre guide explains the tyre choices behind grip and control.