Nuvali’s “Dirt Weekend” has been regarded as one of the major mountain bike events in the country, as well as one of Nuvali’s signature events that encapsulate the sustainability philosophy that the eco-city strives to adhere to. Nuvali General Manager John Estacio talks about this year’s much-awaited cycling weekend which will be the venue for the Philippine qualifying leg of the World Mountain Bike Championship.
What is Dirt Weekend?
Dirt Weekend is a mountain biking (MTB) event that we have organized yearly since 2009. This year, it will be held on November 6, 7 and 8 at the Nuvali estate in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
We are proud to have been recognized as one of the premium cycling events in the country that professionals and enthusiasts look forward to every year. Other than bike races, there are also fringe activities designed for families and friends who show their support during the race weekend such as a bike expo and a food fair.
Dirt Weekend is a pioneer in bringing world-class cycling formats in the Philippines, including official races sanctioned by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world-governing body on sports cycling and competitive cycling events. We hosted the first Enduro Race in the country in 2012, which attracted hundreds of pros and enthusiasts to the highly technical downhill event. In 2013, Dirt Weekend presented the first UCI Philippine MTB National Championship and the first Philippine MTB Marathon National Championship. The two events alone drew over 800 and 1,000 riders, respectively, to Nuvali.
Why hold “Dirt Weekend” in Nuvali?
We are honored that Nuvali is hosting this prestigious international cycling event. Biking is part of the environmentally-responsible culture that we are cultivating in Nuvali. We continuously develop programs that are attuned to the local biking community – programs that promote a healthier lifestyle by encouraging biking as a mode of transportation and recreation. Also, we would like to serve as a platform for globally competitive athletes from the Philippines to get a chance to compete in the global stage.
Nuvali is also one of the popular weekend destinations for dirt riders who love to challenge themselves at the 35-kilometer mountain bike trail.
What are the race events that we can look forward to this year?
For this year’s Dirt Weekend, we will have four cycling events, two of which are official UCI races. The main event is the UCI Cross Country Marathon (XCM) World Series Philippine qualifying leg. Riders who will qualify can proceed to the 2016 Cross Country Marathon World Championship in France. Nuvali’s XCM course is 70 kilometers long and is filled with rocky paths and obstacles and various technical descents, simulating a ride through forest roads. We will also be staging the UCI Cross Country Olympic (XCO) event, a “Registered Class 3” UCI race that lets elite riders earn UCI points. It is a shorter version of the XCM course at 35 kilometers.
Our Four Cross Race where riders go at the __-kilometer course in fours and the first one to finish will proceed to the next level. This gravity event is characterized by BMX-like trail with jumps, drops and various obstacles. It will be one of the most exhilarating events for sure.
Finally, there’s Nuvali’s signature event, the 35-kilometer Dirt Weekend Cross Country Race. This is the one race that draws over 1,000 riders yearly.
Who can participate in “Dirt Weekend”?
Anyone is welcome to join any of the cycling events at Dirt Weekend! Fun riders will tackle the courses alongside professional elite riders.
How does one get to Nuvali?
Nuvali is accessible via multiple exits of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan and Canlubang. One can also take any of the public buses that ply to the estate from major centers like Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Balibago.
How much is the registration?
What are the prizes in “Dirt Weekend”?
What are the other bike events that riders and enthusiasts can look forward to?
We have special activities designed to give riders and enthusiasts a taste of the excitement building up to Dirt Weekend. On October 17, we will have a bike clinic at Nuvali. This is perfect for newbies who want a proper introduction to the sport of mountain biking.
On October 17 and 18, there will be a bike expo at Ayala Malls Solenad in Nuvali to be held at the Solenad Activity Park. The bike expo will feature top cycling brands and stores.