[Photography provided by Paul Box / Framedogs]
Merida’s EX Enduro has become a staple of the UK’s enduro scene, and over the years, it’s become one of our favourite weeks on the bike. Returning once again for 2025, the event shows that it’s more than a one-trick pony, as it has introduced a pairs format into the mix. For another year running, there’s absolutely no sign of the event slowing down.
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In a sector that’s showing signs of difficulty, as the Southern Enduro’s Scott Fitzgerald has spoken to us about, the Merida EX Enduro is one of the UK’s fastest-selling events, and yet again, its 2025 entries sold out in a matter of minutes. However, the event’s organiser Michael Wilkens, is always looking for ways of making things more interesting, and for this year, that was a pairs category.
2025’s event delivered 5,000m of descending over three days, all of which transported riders through the variety of terrain that Exmoor, in the South West of the UK, has to offer. Of course, as always, the event brought its usual all-inclusive hospitality that kept riders well fed and well watered. Oh, and there’s a daily uplift, too.
The first day was a relaxed start that saw five stages of racing that started at Dunkery Beacon. The following four tested fitness and endurance as they wound back to the event village. With the day stages done, the EX’s famous three Exposure Lights Night Stages awaited.
Day two, Saturday, was the big one, as it always is at the EX. However, a serious dashing of rain set the stage for a spicy day of racing. Variety was the order of the day as the event took riders through some of Exmoor’s very best trails hosted on private land – away from the race, these trails wouldn’t usually be accessible.
If the EX has made its name for top-tier racing, it’s equally done so for its vintage tea stops, where entrants pedalled towards a well-deserved caffeine and sugar break, before seeing off the final stages of the day. That’s not all, as the EX dials things up a notch with a proper sit-down dinner for the racers, served by the crew. With plates cleared, party mode engaged with beer flowing, and roller racing destroying race-laden legs before the final days’ racing.
The EX’s final day, Sunday, shows that the event takes absolutely no prisoners. A further six stages awaited, as well as another EX hallmark, The Vominator – a brutal, post-tea stop, climb that’ll test even the strongest of ascenders.
If this has all gotten your mouth watering for some classic South West racing, we’re certain that the EX Enduro will be back for 2026, so keep your eyes peeled for any updates, and your browsers ready to pick up any fast-selling entries.
