The Merida EX enduro returns for 2024 and pre-registration is open

Men on a podium receiving prizes
The winner of the Grand Veteran category in 2023 was our very own Mick Kirkman (Image credit: Paul Box / The EX)

Amid the organizer's plans for an e-MTB-only eEX event, rumors of the EX's demise have been in circulation for some time. Happily, Mike Wilkins and the EX organizing team have bowed to pressure not to change things just yet, so the EX in its original format will return this year, welcoming analog and motor-assisted riders alike.

As usual, the three days of enduro racing will take place upon some of the steepest ups and downs the Exmoor hills can offer over 100km of trails with savage amounts of climbing. Riders will be provided with morning uplifts to make the start of each day slightly easier, then there are the famous night stages (Exposure will be on hand to lend lights if required), uniquely brilliant feed stops, nightly entertainment (with a free bar) and everything else that make the EX one of our favorite events in the UK race calendar. The dates for your diary are the 6th to the 8th of September.

A MTBer riding through misty woods

Riders experienced every kind of weather at last year's event, so this year it will be wall-to-wall sunshine, right? (Image credit: The Merida EX Enduro)

Entry is strictly limited to 80 riders which helps generate a friendly racing vibe and minimizes the impact on the local environment. The race village with free camping will be situated at the usual venue in the picturesque village of Allerford.

The entry fee is £375, which might sound like a lot, but when you consider the only other costs you'll have for the long weekend are travel and some spares for your bike, we think it's actually decent value.

Tea being served

Where else will you find tea on a feed stop being served in actual tea cups? (Image credit: Paul Box / The EX)

Pre-registration is open now – with entry links being sent out to the successful on the 3rd of March. In the unlikely event that the EX doesn't sell out via pre-registration, any remaining entries will be open to all at 9am on the 5th of March.

As usual, at least one of us from the Bike Perfect team will be there and we hope to see you too. For more info and to pre-register head over to the-ex.co.uk

Rich Owen
Editor, BikePerfect

Rich Owen joined the BikePerfect team as editor in 2021. He's worked as a journalist and editor for over 24 years, with 12 years specializing in cycling media. Rich bought his first mountain bike (a rigid Scott Tampico) in 1995 and has been riding MTB for almost 30 years.

Current rides: Merida One-Forty 6000, Banshee Paradox, YT Jeffsy Core 3, Saracen Ariel 30 Pro

Height: 175cm

Weight: 69kg