Birken – World’s largest MTB race

About

Mountain Experience for MTB bikers 
Birkebeinerrittet is the world’s largest MTB event, and more than 17 000 bikers participate in the 94 km race every year. The course passes through impressive mountain, forest and valley settings from the village of Rena to the Olympic city of Lillehammer. Both elite and recreational bikers enjoy this journey.


UltraBirken. 
A real challenge for MTB bikers. Starting in Rena and finishing in Lillehammer, the course consists of 120 km of trails in mountain terrain up to 2000 m.a.s.l. The winner’s time is usually between 5,5 to 6 hours. Course map available as soon as the route is finalized.
 

Historical background
In 1206, two warriors skied the infant prince Haakon Haakonsson over the mountains to safety, from Lillehammer to Rena and further to Trondheim. The race commemorates that heroic journey, and participants must carry a 3.5 kg backpack to symbolize the weight of the baby.