Singapore Open Enduro 2025: A Wet and Wild Adventure
The 2025 Singapore Open Enduro (SOE) made a thrilling splash as Singapore’s only mountain bike enduro race returned with full force. Hosted across the scenic trails of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Chestnut Nature Park, this year’s event was one to remember. With a combination of rocky technical features, high-speed single-track, and challenging rooty sections, racers faced the ultimate test of endurance and skill.
The man: Wilson Low
A Race for Everyone
The SOE offered something for every mountain biking enthusiast, from seasoned veterans to first-timers exploring the enduro format. With seven main categories for males and females - U-15, U-17, Junior, Open, Masters, Seniors, and Veterans - and the inclusion of the much-loved Kid-duro race for younger riders, no one had an excuse to sit this one out. Even the youngest competitors, aged 7 to 12 years, tackled a three-stage course, giving them a taste of the thrills and spills of enduro racing. For adults, the race featured a prologue stage and five main stages, with results determined by combining the fastest times from the race stages.
The Course: Tough but Rewarding
This year’s course design challenged riders to navigate more than 15km of trail distance with over 300m of elevation gain and loss. For Kid-duro racers, the course stretched over 5km with elevation changes exceeding 150m. Riders had to be fit and ready to spend up to four hours on the saddle, tackling a variety of trail features, including steep climbs, tight turns, and muddy descents.
All participants competed on the same course with no exceptions or shortcuts, proving once again that SOE is the perfect platform for testing both physical endurance and technical skills. From rocky gardens to slippery roots and steep chutes, the race offered a complete buffet of Singapore’s trail challenges.
Wet Weather, Big Smiles
Rain made a guest appearance during the race, turning the trails into a slippery and muddy playground. While some might see the wet weather as a disadvantage, it added a layer of excitement and unpredictability that brought out the best in riders. Spectators cheered as racers powered through slick corners, balancing speed with caution to avoid a slide into the dirt. The wet conditions tested every rider’s mettle, but they also delivered unforgettable memories and gritty, mud-splattered smiles at the finish line.
More Than Just a Race
As an entry-level MTB enduro, the SOE continues to be a welcoming event for newcomers while maintaining the high standards of a Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF)-sanctioned race. Riders earned points toward the 2025 SCF Gravity Series based on their overall rankings and individual stage performances. The event also offered neutral technical support at the staging areas and mid-course, ensuring riders could stay in the race despite mechanical hiccups.
The camaraderie among participants was palpable, with racers encouraging one another on the climbs and celebrating each other’s successes at the finish line. Snacks, water, and sports drinks at the start/finish staging areas kept everyone fuelled, while the spirit of community made the event as much about the experience as the competition.
Looking Ahead
As the rain-soaked 2025 Singapore Open Enduro wrapped up, one thing became clear: the SOE continues to set the standard for mountain bike racing in Singapore. Whether you were a first-time participant or a returning competitor, this year’s race delivered the perfect blend of challenge, excitement, and fun.
If you missed the action, keep an eye out for next year’s event. With its inclusive categories, stunning trails, and welcoming atmosphere, the SOE is an event every mountain biker should experience at least once. And who knows? You might just find yourself hooked on the thrill of enduro racing.
Photos: Allan Torres, Stanley Cheah, Jerome Tan, Mark Garcia
Words: Mesum Verma
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RESULTS
Total Riders attended: 158
