Event history

In 1988 we created Mendip Madness, an event attracting over 450 riders. Pleased by the success of the event we decided to aim higher and developed a more testing mountain biking event. The Cheddar Challenge was born.

The inaugural Cheddar Challenge had Tim Flooks as "Head Shed" and featured commentary from David Duffield (now with Eurosport). An impressive 900 riders turned up for the first Challenge which involved one of the toughest XC race courses in the UK.

After several successful years of running cross country mountain bike races the Cheddar Challenge got some real teeth. In 1993 we added downhills to the mix to offer something for everyone. Both XC races and testing downhill competitions were run over the weekend for a number of years.

As the mountain biking weekend headed towards puberty, the downhill races were recognised by British Cycling and became NPS races giving the CHeddar Challenge real credibility.

Both the DH and XC courses were developed and improved over the next few years to provide tracks which lived up to the Challenge name.

The hedonistic days of cross country, unofficial singlespeed championships, DH races and with the addition of spectacular 4 cross (4X) races.

The Cheddar Challenge had developed into a serious event attracting thousands of spectators for the weekend of mountain bike events. The MTB weekend became legendary for serious racing and serious partying!!

After many years of well behaved partying things started to go a bit too far and the after event hangover proved too much. In 2002 it was decided to concentrate on the cross country mountain bike races and the DH events were dropped.

The event finally grew up and the mature Cheddar Challenge is now established the end of season mountain biking event attracting a loyal crowd of both serious competitors and fun riders who come along to test themselves against the tough Cheddar Challenge course and for a laugh to end the season.

This years event promises to be bigger and better than ever with lots of extra entertainment and facilities added to celebrate our 18th birthday.

Click here to go to the Cheddar Challenge Hall of fame