Have you done the TransAlps, ridden TransRockies and ticked the box next to TransWales? If you have it sounds like you need a new challenge – Poland’s Mountain Bike Challenge stage race, perhaps?

2008 marks the event’s fourth year, though it’s slipped beneath the BM radar until now. Poland has a lot to offer MTBers, though ask any UK rider and Poland probably won’t be the first destination to leave their lips. The organisers of the MTB Challenge are hoping this event will change that though.

Boasting 14,000m of climbing in the 500km distance the race covers, and adopting a similar format to the more popular stage events, the race looks like a winner. Last year over 450 riders took part from 20 countries around Europe and further afield.

The country has a lot to offer too, and the organisers are keen to exploit many of the natural attractions and top riding.Though not as high as the Alps or Rocky Mountains, the Sudety Mountains offer substantial singletrack and spectacular views.

Like other stage races around the globe, Mountain Bike Challenge can be competed by teams of two, with categories including Men, Women, Mixed, Masters and, for pair whose combined age exceeds 100, the Masters 100 class. New for 2008 however is the option to compete in the solo category.

The event takes place 26 July to 2 August. Find out more at www.mtbchallenge.com/en/