The Trans-Sylvania Epic, the longest mountain bike stage race experience in the USA offering seven days in the mountain bike paradise that is the Alleghenies region of Pennsylvania, is attracting the most competitive field of endurance racers to yet assemble for an MTB stage race in North America.

Mountain bike luminaries such as Cannondale Factory Racing’s Jeremiah Bishop and WTB’s Mark Weir alongside PAValleys.com’s National 24 Hour Solo Series Champions Bradon Draugulis (’09) and Rob Lichtenwalner (’07/’08); perennial NUE series contenders Christian Tanguay and Harlan Price from Team CF as well as endurance race stalwart Evan Plews and top US Ruta finisher Alex Grant (Cannondale) are some of the stars who will be battling it out daily with a slate of regional stars and local legends for the right to wear the Pactimo TSE Leader’s Jersey. The women’s entrants are just as powerful with multiple time World 24 Champ, Rebecca Rusch (Specialized), women’s 2009 Iron Cross Champion Selene Yeager and her Team CF mates Nikki Thiemann and Kristin Gavin, PAValleys.com’s Carolyn Popovich and Karen Potter (MTBRaceNews.com) amongst those ripping each other apart daily in pursuit of their own Pactimo leader’s jersey at the TSE.

TSE director Mike Kuhn noted, “The quality of the racers taking part in our first year is fantastic; there hasn’t been a field like this assembled for a mountain bike race in the region in a long time.” He added, “It’s not just elite racers. We have people coming because they see Trans-Sylvania as a perfect mountain bike vacation or as an incredible challenge. We can’t wait to show mountain bike enthusiasts and racers from across North America just how good the riding is in Pennsylvania as this event unfolds.”

“This is a great opportunity to meet and interact with some of the nation’s best racers,” added director Ray Adams. “If you love mountain biking you’ll have a whole week to ride incredible trails and compare notes with some of the finest riders around the bonfire each evening. You’re not going to find this anywhere else. It’s especially true this first year as we set the stage for what will become at least eastern North America’s don’t miss mountain bike experience. Yes, seven days of great trail riding in a row is not easy, but it is absolutely possible for a lot of riders. What’s more, the sense of accomplishment from riding seven back to back days is beyond words. Everyone should – and can – experience that.”

When asked why he is choosing TSE over the multitude of of stage races out there; CFRs Bishop replied, “It’s about riding killer technical single track. Some places have good scenery and some good trails but nothing is like the raw rocks roots and deep forest of the east coast single track in PA. Riding in the state college area is world class and with solid promotion background the race is sure to be well run and a lot of fun.” He continued, “TSE is going to be demanding, in fact its probably the longest stage race in North America; but that is going to make for an incredible experience. If the other trails are like what I have ridden, its going to rock!”

Specialized’s three time Women’s World 24 Hour Solo Champ Rebecca Rusch commented on TSE, “I love mountain bike stage races because the offer the opportunity to really see the riding an area has to offer. For me 7 days in a row of hard racing is a perfect training block and sort of my own PA boot camp. I have not ridden out East much and from what I hear, this place offers some of the best single track in the world. The TSE jumped out at me because of the reputation of the race directors, the chance to ride out East and the time of year of the event.” Her husband Greg Martin (Club Ride Apparel), owner of two 24 Hr Solo Singlespeed World Titles added, ” I’m really looking forward to spending a full week riding some of the beautiful trails that PA has to offer. Having grown up in Virginia and now living out west, I really miss the technical trails that the east coast is famous for. This is going to be a super fun race!”

WTB’s legendary Mark Weir offered up a slightly different motivation for attending, “Last time I was in PA I got schooled by a bunch of round face tough guys. This race looks like a great way to find some redemption.” Weir seems to have his eye on one competitor in particular adding, “Harlan you and your 29″s of wheel better look out. Had about enough of you buddy.”

Based out of the expansive Seven Mountain Scout Camp near State College, PA, the Trans-Sylvania Epic offers 7 days of spectacular trails in some of the most remote riding in Pennsylvania through the spectacular Allegheny mountains. Through the course of the 7 days the participants will explore over 250 miles of mountain bike heaven and just scratch the surface of the trails and paths in this part of PA. The event will challenge riders physically and mentally but reward them with an experience they’ll never forget. Running May 30-June 5, 2010, more information about Trans-Sylvania at www.TransSylvaniaEpic.com.

There is something for everyone! Whether you want to traverse the Rocky Mountains, explore the jungles of Costa Rica, or just put in lots of miles on beautiful central Pennsylvania singletrack, there is a race for you!

Here are the race listings:

• Alpine Epic – New Zealand’s epic mountain bike race.
• BC Bike Race – A nice tour of British Columbia, Canada
• Breck Epic – A fun excursion on great singletrack in Breckenridge, Colorado.
• Cape Epic – An adventure across the terrain of South Africa.
• La Ruta de los Conquistadores – A tough journey through the jungles of Costa Rica.
• Pisgah Mountain Bike Stage Race – A fun adventure in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.
• Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic – A week of great scenery and a variety of singletrack on the hills of Pennsylvania.
• TransAlp Challenge – Race across Europe, over the Alps.
• TransRockies Challenge – Traverse the Rockies while you ride across Canada.
• TransWales – A race across the UK.

All these races are listed in the sidebar to your right for quick reference!

Chris Eatough and promoters of the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic are pleased to announce two great ways to help athletes prepare for the incredible seven-day event, scheduled May 30-June 5, 2010, in State College, PA.

Chris Eatough, the World’s most accomplished endurance cyclist, has created the Trans-Sylvania Epic Training Plan at ChrisEatough.com. It is a custom built training plan designed specifically around the demands of this incredible event and will bring participants to peak form in time to race. Whether you are preparing for an all-out solo assault on Trans-Sylvania or choosing your own stage race adventure on a Trans-Sylvania Team, this custom plan will prepare you perfectly.

Says Eatough, “Mountain bike stage racing is such a great format, but there is a lot to know if you want to maximize your performance and fun. I have packaged all my knowledge, tips, and experience into the Trans-Sylvania Epic Training Plan so that participants can arrive at the race, ready to perform at their peak”.

Chris worked closely with Trans-Sylvania Director and renowned endurance coach Mike Kuhn to delve into the demands of each and every stage of the race and integrated these considerations into the 12-week plan available for download on ChrisEatough.com. In addition, Eatough will be attending several days of the event though not as a racer. Eatough will be on hand to advise racers on how to best prepare for the rigors of upcoming stages – physically, strategically, and mechanically. Eatough plans to ride along with racers, providing technical tips and advice while enjoying the sweet central PA singletrack.

“Since I’ve known Chris he has always been the consummate professional and he is now using his attention to detail in creating the Trans-Sylvania Epic Training Plan. We’re very excited to offer our participants the opportunity to take advantage of Chris’ knowledge and experience through this plan designed specifically for our race. Combined with our training camp and the opportunity for fully personalized training through yours truly, we have the full spectrum of options for endurance mountain bikers.” said Kuhn.

To further prepare participants for Trans-Sylvania and offer a way for all athletes to ready themselves for the summer season, TSE is offering the Endurance MTB Training Camp/Trans-Sylvania Epic Preview. The Endurance MTB Camp/TSE Preview will run May 13-16 in State College, PA and will be led by Mike with assistance from two-time US National 24-Hour series champion and fellow PAValleys.com racing team member, “Vegan Rob” Lichtenwalner. Training rides on the Trans-Sylvania Epic courses will ready participants for the exact demands of the race. The TSE Camp offers all endurance mountain bike racers the opportunity to lift their fitness to a new high as they prepare for the summer schedule of cross country racing, 50 to 100+ milers, and 12- and 24-hour mountain bike races. Evening discussions will explore all aspects and nuances of endurance MTB racing. Participants will leave the camp more ready than ever to go the distance! More information about the camp, plans and this incredible event may be found on www.TransSylvaniaEpic.com.

The Trans-Sylvania Epic, the longest and most “killer” mountain bike stage race in the US – thrilling participants in State College, PA, May 30-June 5, 2010 – is running a special promotion that offers participants a discount on event registration while simultaneously helping their favorite bike shop employees take part in the inaugural race!

From now through February 28, sign up for the Trans-Sylvania Epic through your favorite bike shop employee and get yourself a $50 discount on the race fee. Plus, by going through the local shop you’ll help one of the shop employees earn a credit toward participating in Trans-Sylvania. This is a great way to show your local shop how much you appreciate everything they do for you all year long (and picking up some choice items to help get you ready for Trans-Sylvania while you’re there will help too)!

We will offer a list of registered shops on our site at www.TransSylvaniaEpic.com and if your favorite retailer isn’t up there just tell them to get on board by contacting us – we’ll take care of the rest. Or, head over to a shop that is already participating in your area and make some new friends by helping one of the guys join in the Trans-Sylvania fun! If you just can’t find anyone give us a call and we’ll put you in touch with someone personally.

The Trans-Sylvania Epic offers 7 days of spectacular trails in some of the most remote riding in Pennsylvania through the Allegheny mountains. Throughout the 7 days the participants will explore over 250 miles of mountain bike heaven. The event will challenge riders physically and mentally but reward them with an experience they’ll never forget. If you love riding a mountain bike your number one destination this year should be the Trans-Sylvania Epic! If you are bike shop employee and would like to take part in this promotion please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Information about Trans-Sylvania is available at www.TransSylvaniaEpic.com.