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Beskidy MTB Trophy

The Beskidy stage race in Poland is a 4 day event with 11000m of climbing over a distance of 310km, all around the base of Istebna in the South East of Poland. With little in the way in the way of flat sections, this was certainly going to be a challenge. Whatever goes up must come down, so I was anticipating some spectacular descents given the terrain out there, and I wasn’t disappointed.

This isn’t the high mountains, but with peaks regularly topping out at 950m and hills as far as the eye could see, you definitely had to embrace the climbing and have the skill to descend. I was out with a group of Afrikaans, for one of whom this was his 4th time and vying for a podium spot, so I was in for a fun four days of tough riding and good company. The weather forecast was, however, looking quite dismal, with heavy, persistent rain on the Friday and Saturday, so went prepared with wet weather kit and spare tyres with a good amount of bite. With the ground already saturated from previous heavy rain, it had the potential to a very muddy few days in the hills.

Arriving with a day to spare gave me the chance to relax and spin out the legs and lungs for an hour or so after the previous day’s early start and full day of traveling. Well, I say spin, but it was either up or down! I stayed at the Hotel Szarotka, which was basic, but basic was all that was needed. Waking to blue skies the following morning was a pleasant surprise, but the bed bug bites weren’t! Breakfast wasn’t much better, cheap, sugary cereals, huge amounts of cheese and meats and bad coffee, not a cyclist’s start to the day. Other riders (as I ended up doing) bought their own muesli for a more substantial breakfast. Chatting to other riders revealed that I was in for a tough first day, 62km and 2400m of ascent, but the start would be at a leisurely 12pm. With registration open for 2 hours on the Wednesday evening from 6pm and from 8 till 11am on the Thursday morning, this did allow for a bit of breathing space to relax and build and check bikes for riders arriving on the Wednesday.

Conversation on that first stage morning revolved around the possible impending weather and what to wear (sounds like a girls night out). With early morning rain giving way to sunshine, the temperature hit the mid 20s by 11am, but dark clouds still loomed above us. Grabbing my gilet at the last moment, I took my prep a little too leisurely and ended up some three-quarters of the way down the field in the start pen. Flash backs to getting caught behind riders on the trail in Riva del Garda, reminded me that this really wasn’t a good place to be.

As the gun went off, it was a bit disheartening to see the leaders firing off down the road as I stood, waiting to be able to get going! The main road soon turned into forest road and the climbing started. As riders slowed at the increasing gradient, I took the opportunity to take some places. We soon hit dirt, a narrow, rocky, rooty trail heading upwards, most unlike the more usual Euro fire road climb. Not wanting to just sit in line for the next 7km, I took advantage of the Niner’s big wheels and stepped out form the queue, taking the not so smooth line. This did blow the game plan a little as the heart rate jumped past my set upper limit. By the time the climb topped out, the route ahead had opened up, granting clearer runs at the descents. The climbs here aren’t alpine, but were unrelenting and energy sapping. A few long ones interspersed with short, steep and technical climbs, demanding skill and a high tolerance to lactate build up. The singletrack was inspired, cris-crossing the landscape inbetween the forest trails, but this was no time to rest as they demanded focus to pick the best lines, the muddy conditions and roots limiting line choice. With little flat to speak of, we dipped in and out of different valleys all afternoon, with spectacular views from the hill tops, but little time to admire them. As the odometer reached 62km at the bottom of a descent, thoughts turned to food. Just as we hit tarmac, however, the course veered left and up again. Not so steep this time, but it was a further 6km to the finish.. What a tough first day, just over four hours in the saddle but the rain stayed away.

Going to bed with the sound of heavy rain didn’t bode well for day two, but we were greeted with sunny skies come morning. Today’s stage start was 5km from Istebna which caught out a few riders, arriving just as the stage began! This, at least, was a good warm up to the day’s 80km and 2800m of ascent. Managing to get a good start position made all the difference, not having to work so hard to stay clear of the main pack, but the damage had been done from the previous day’s efforts. Today’s climbs were shorter, some steeper, requiring strong legs. Lots of technical riding today with a healthy dose of singletrack, most of it rooty, off camber and a whole lot of fun, offering great views as the trails wound their way around the hills’ edges. Muddy sections still lingered in the densest parts of the forest, but with some swallowing wheels up to their axles, they were best avoided! Again, there was very little in the way of tarmac, only short sections connecting trails. At all road crossings, the police were present making sure that the traffic was stopped for every rider. Some 5 hours later, and feeling pretty weary, the finish straight was the bottom section of a ski slope leading into the start village, not a place to be over exuberant with speed and make an error, in full view of everyone. The 5km ride with 150m of climbing back to Istebna wasn’t overly welcome, but could be looked upon as a suitable warm down.

Day three started well, being gridded in the front group. The sun was again out, but the forecast was wet, so the organiser decided to implement the ‘wet conditions’ route, which did mean fire road and less trail, but also no walking. Wearing arm warmers and gilet, ready for a wet day, the first climb soon had us sweating hard in the muggy conditions. Heading out East this time, we were again straight into the climbs, and singletrack, stringing out riders. Some 20km in my BB started to make the most horrendous noise accompanied by a wobbly crank. Tightening up the lockring lost me precious time and I continued riding on a hope and prayer that it would last the day - which it didn’t! 10km later and I had to stop, the crank wobbling excessively. Not wanting to damage the bike I walked with bowed head to the feed station 1km up the road, somewhat annoyed as these were only three marathons old SRAM BB30 bearings. The non drive side had totally disintegrated. Sitting rather forlorn in the mechanics tent (who had no spares), I waited for a lift back to town. This also meant that I would be a DNF for the race.

Luckily one of the Belgian riders I had been chatting with that evening had a spare set of bearings. Although I was out of the running for an official placing, I could at least ride the last day, which had some of the best riding.

Day four didn’t disappoint. The long, steep climbs led to some of the highest points of the four days leading to some spectacular ridge top riding and singletrack through the forests. More pockets of deep mud were spitting unwary riders over the handlebars. Today’s trails were otherwise fast and flowing with a huge grin factor. Descents were rocky and technical, the longest one at 5km. With its fist sized rocks and rutted surface, it certainly got the adrenaline going. An off here would be messy. It was either ride on the brakes picking a safer line or just let go, allowing the speed to carry the bike over the rocks. Exhilarating, body and bike breaking. A final, brief climb on tarmac led into the final few kms. The run into the finish was quick, using all available singletrack, some of it still heavily muddy, but that didn’t matter as it was just fun to ride at speed.

Despite appearing a DNFer, it was a great event with tough, but exhilarating riding. Granted there was some riding riding on fire road and tarmac but it was kept at a real minimum. The course was well marked out with the police at all road junctions holding back traffic. We were racing on multi use trails, but rarely saw any other users. Where we did come across walkers, they stepped aside with a cheer and shouts of encouragement, even as we flew past them on descents. Great attitude.

Costs

175 Euros for the event 275 for the all inclusive package (accommodation and food)

Getting there

I flew from Bristol to Krakow direct. With Isbetna only being 130km from the airport, the best option for getting there is hiring a car from the airport if there is two or more of you. This would be an expensive option traveling solo, but it is the quickest. There is the bus option (no trains), but this is a full day’s journey as it winds its way through many towns and village. It is the cheapest however. costing around £8. A large vehicle, enough for four people and kit was around £400 to hire for six days.

Where to stay

The best option is taking the all inclusive package with accommodation at the local school, 5 minutes walk from the start. The school is a nice new build with good showers and secure bike storage. Breakfasts and evening meal are substantial and are included in the price. If you preferred the hotel option, there are number of hotels in the town itself, which is about 2km away.

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