Taking place within the hills above Minehead, the Merida EX Enduro is set to return for 2022. Previously described as "one to stick on your bucket list" the event will take place on the 16th-18th of September with just 80 riders getting the chance to take on three days of solid racing.

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A favourite amongst off-road.cc staff, the Merida EX Enduro, powered by Shimano STEPS claims to be more than just a race. The weekend will feature more than 20 timed stages taking riders up gut-wrenching climbs, rolling singletrack, and some of the best riding that the South West has to offer.

All of that will take riders over 110km over the weekend and once the day's racing is complete, riders are treated to the top locally sourced food and produce that Exmoor has to offer. That's all included in the entry fee too, all you'll need to do is pitch your tent. Then, as a result of excellent feedback from 2021's event, the Exposure Lights' Night Enduro stages will make a return.

If that's not enough for you, new for 2022 is the RaceFace Enduro Time Trial for the earlier arrivers on Thursday afternoon. This will give riders the perfect opportunity to warm up, and sample one of the race stages before anyone else without affecting the weekend's ranking.

For an entry fee of £375, riders are rewarded with six to eight timed stages a day using a dibber timing system, 35-45km of riding a day with approximately 1,500 to 2,300m of climbing on each. The organisers are being extra nice too, as there will be an uplift to get your to the first stage each day along with yoga classes, e-bike charging facilities, on-course water stations, and evening entertainment.

As the event is often sold out in minutes, the Merida Ex Enduro is encouraging riders to register their interest to then be able to purchase a ticket on the 6th of March.

• the-ex.co.uk

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