Running this Sunday to the next across six total stages, this year’s edition of the annual mountain-biking festival will combine proven favourites with uncharted territory – and courses that only the most seasoned competitors will remember.
It remains the Guernsey Velo Club’s highest-participation event and in fact has sold out this year, with entries passing the 100 mark and a waiting list being formed.
Many of these competitors will be paying tribute to the event’s roots by using retro bikes that are over 25 years old, confirms Pete Miller from the large organising group.
‘It’s not essential, but I do think a good number of people have chosen to ride older bikes,’ said a veteran competitor whose chosen weapon is from 1996 and has no suspension.
This will not just be self-sabotage, though, as riders on older bikes will receive a significant advantage in the general classification.
‘If John Mapley turns up and a brand-new bike, from 2026, and wins every race in the expert category, he might not win overall,’ Miller added.
The Adventure Cycles-supported TOG opens with a morning enduro using La Houguette and surrounding fields.
Monday evening’s assignment will be a short track cross-country based at Le Coudre, which Miller does not believe has been used for nearly 30 years.
‘Dan Thwaite and I can only remember racing there once and we were 15-16 – 30 years ago.’
Tuesday is a classic downhill at Pleinmont, after which riders receive a rest day.
On Thursday, riders will take the otherwise rare opportunity to compete at Les Vardes Quarry, completing a ‘duphill’ that starts with a loop around the area’s mountain-bike trails.
The Ronez quarry theme continues on the Friday with a brand-new course. It will consist of a technical time-trial over the quarry area and newly-built trails near Vale Castle.
After another rest day, the TOG concludes on Sunday with a traditional, longer cross-country course around the motocross track at Pleinmont.
With the racing being topped off by a prizegiving at Guernsey Pearl, Miller’s hope is for a ‘really fun week’.
He noted that, compared to the atmosphere back in the event’s early days, the TOG has become a family-friendly affair with parents and children competing on the same days.
‘The real difference we are seeing now compared to 30 years ago is it’s a real family event.
‘It’s brilliant to see
You need to be logged in to comment.