The UK bikepacking scene is set to see the launch of a new and prestigious competition this year – the UK Triple Crown (UK-TC). This inaugural event brings together three of the UK’s most challenging bikepacking races: the Dales Divide, Highland Trail 550, and North Wales 400. The rider with the shortest combined time across all three events will be crowned the UK Triple Crown winner.
Inspired by the successful model of the United States’ Triple Crown, which includes the renowned Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and Arizona Trail Race, the UK version aims to elevate bikepacking in the country.
The Races
The first event in the series, the Dales Divide, will take place on April 18. This 600km coast-to-coast ride takes participants from Arnside in Cumbria to Scarborough and back. Following that, on May 24, the Highland Trail 550 will challenge riders with a 550-mile (885km) route through the Scottish Highlands, from the southern tip to the northernmost point and back. The third race, the North Wales 400, completes the series, offering riders a grueling test of endurance.
The organisers of these events have deep ties within the UK bikepacking community. Chris Ellison, organiser of the Dales Divide, points out that all three have participated in each other’s races, with years of experience in the UK scene.
Grassroots Approach
The UK Triple Crown draws inspiration from the grassroots ethos that has shaped American bikepacking events. According to Alan Goldsmith, organiser of the Highland Trail 550, the focus is on accessibility. “It won’t cost you a fortune to do them,” he says, emphasising that the events are designed to be affordable and open to riders with limited time and resources. “It’s a big challenge, but it’s possible for anyone to participate.”
Goldsmith, who has participated in the Tour Divide and the Colorado Trail Race, notes that his own event was initially created as a training race for the Colorado Trail, which mirrors the lengths of the UK races.
A More Sustainable Approach
While the American Triple Crown has inspired this UK version, the organisers hope it will encourage riders to participate closer to home, reducing the need to travel internationally. Goldsmith, who runs the Highland Trail 550, expresses that one of the primary motivations for establishing the UK Triple Crown is to reduce the environmental impact of international travel for races.
Ellison is also keen to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for riders. “I’m allowing most, if not all [entries] at the moment,” he says, underscoring the event’s inclusive nature. “If it’s your first event and you want to ride as a pair, that’s okay. It’s about getting out and having a go.”
Non-Corporate Spirit
Part of the allure of these events lies in their non-corporate, grassroots nature. Both Ellison and Goldsmith have turned down sponsorship opportunities in order to preserve the spirit of the races. “It isn’t the way I got into it, and it isn’t the way I’d like it to go,” Ellison explains, emphasizing that keeping the events true to their roots is a priority.
Interestingly, riders don’t have to participate in the official events to earn a UK Triple Crown finish. All three races allow for Individual Time Trials, where participants can complete the courses privately while still adhering to the rules. This offers a flexible way for riders to take part in the series and even compete for the Triple Crown title without attending the main events.
The Spirit of Trust
The UK Triple Crown operates on a level of trust among participants. Riders track their progress via the Track Leaders website, which is used to monitor both official participants and those taking the Individual Time Trials. While organisers are vigilant about maintaining fairness, Goldsmith acknowledges that the success of the event relies heavily on the honour system.
“Even in the main race, you could arrange for your mate to hide bananas halfway through,” Ellison says, joking about the potential for cheating. “But it’s about honesty and integrity.”
No Prizes, No Fees
True to the spirit of the US races, the UK Triple Crown offers no entry fees and no prizes. “In the big races in America, there’s no entry fee, there’s no prize,” Ellison explains. “The winner gets to the end, and it’s usually marked by a rock in a car park or a border post. It’s not about the prize – it’s about the challenge.”
For the UK, this makes the Triple Crown perhaps the biggest “non-prize prize” in the bikepacking world.
As the UK Triple Crown gets underway, it promises to be a significant milestone for the UK bikepacking community, offering riders the opportunity to compete in three of the toughest and most scenic races the country has to offer, all while embracing the spirit of grassroots adventure.
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