Entries Now Open for Kingdom Enduro

Entries now open!

Kingdom Enduro is a three day stage race through the Kingdom of Lesotho. It's the first-ever Enduro World Series qualifier on African soil and runs over three days in a remote mountainous country with incredible scenery.

Next year's third edition takes place on 27-29th March, with strictly limited entries.

Used for centuries by the Basotho people and their animals, Lesotho's huge network of paths make for amazing bike trails, and, thanks to the event, there's now a stack of world-class, hand-cut, enduro trails all carving down vast lush Lesotho hillsides too.

Kingdom Enduro is unquestionably one of the most adventurous mountain bike events on the planet, offering amazing riding as well as an unforgettable visit to a place that's totally different from most westerner's everyday experience.

2020’s race will be just as wild, raw and unique in terms of the trails, scenery, and atmosphere. Plus, thanks to tons of hard work by the organizers and locals, the completely hand-cut tracks will be even longer, higher and harder than ever before too.

For an all-inclusive entry fee, racers stay at a fully catered base. The race HQ is an old trading post in Roma dating from the days of a wilder frontier land where merchants cut deals with local farmers and shepherds for goods. Little has changed outside the HQ gates since. Apart from a few tar roads, the lush countryside remains unspoiled. Lucky for us, this independent nation has never been industrialized.

Up to six race stages daily which vary from five to fifteen minutes. The tracks offer everything from hand-cut berms and ruts found in steep alpine riding to completely open rock slabs, sometimes it’s a simple piece of tape strung across huge open spaces that point you in the right direction.

The sheer altitude and distance you traverse each day make it pretty challenging even before the steep, rocky and rough timed sections, but Kingdom is accessible to any intermediate level rider, providing they’ve got good self-preservation instincts! The beauty of Kingdom Enduro is that you're right amongst the people, you get to experience their warmth and openness in such a way most riders find it impossible not to let it get under the skin. Don't just take our word for it though on this; here's some testimonials from previous Kingdom Enduro competitors and winners:

"There is a special energy that you feel when you’re surrounded by the mighty Maluti mountains. The kind of energy that captures your soul, that feeds your wanderlust, that makes you feel alive. The rich color of the soil, the mountains, the sky and the vibrant Basotho people will leave you longing for more. Lesotho is a wild, raw and a very powerful country landlocked within South Africa. The trails are endless passionate creations dreamed up, created and shaped by my good friend and race director Rene. This is not just a race, it’s a journey, an adventure by bike that will remain ingrained in your heart forever. Thanks to dreamers and creators like Rene for giving us the opportunity to not just enter another bike race, but to share a new culture and country with us. If wild, technical, proper mountain biking is what you’re looking for, get yourself to the mighty Kingdom Enduro!" - Anka Martin

"My time in Lesotho ranks as one of my best trips to date! I love a good adventure, stepping into the local culture and exploring the mountains around Roma was an incredible experience. The riding is raw, challenging and had us grinning ear to ear. The local people were very kind, friendly, helpful and curious about bikes and Roma Trading Post was a great home base and provided all the amenities we needed." - Chris Johnston

"The Kingdom Enduro should be on everyone's bucket list! Rene put together quite the race - three days of fresh-cut trails, taking you over and through the mountains of Lesotho. The terrain is challenging and of great variety: loam, techy rocky bits, slabs, dry riverbeds, steeps, and more. Based out of Roma, you're in the heart of the mountain kingdom, and not only get to experience the trails, but the people -- ride the Velosolutions pump track alongside locals or hike your bike up the nearest mountain, and you'll be amongst herder boys and local school kids. Go into town for a braai and some chicken and pap (Tandoori BBQ with corn). Rene, Darol and the gang take great care of everyone, and it's a relaxed, fun racing atmosphere. The experience as a whole is one I will never forget - it was an amazing way to see Africa, and we will be back again!" - Kim Hardin

Whether you've got an appetite for adventure or just want to race some incredible, hand-built enduro stages at a well-organized event in a crazy location, Kingdom's got your back. Flights to South Africa are easy to find and it's a great time of year to visit with mostly sunny weather.

You can find all the entry details and read more about the Kingdom Enduro, the race's origins as well as its growing role in the local community in Lesotho over at www.kingdomenduro.com