The Rift MTB - Iceland

In five months, we’ll be back in Akureyri, lining up by the start line, rolling out through town, and heading straight into the terrain that defines The Rift MTB.

Akureyri become more than a start location last year. It’s where familiar routines return, number plates being mounted, last-minute adjustments, quiet focus before the gun.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all, those who know exactly what they’re coming back for, and those about to discover it.

Roots. Rock. Tight forest lines. Features that reward precision over aggression. You can’t force your way through sections like these. You read the terrain. You commit to your line. You stay smooth when the ground gets unpredictable.

Every rider out there has made the same choice: to take on the distance, the exposure, and the responsibility of riding their own race across the Icelandic highlands. Just a course that asks you to show up ready. That’s The Rift MTB.

The best part of The Rift isn’t just the route. It’s the people standing next to you before the start, the encouragement on the climbs, and the shared smiles when it’s all over.

Postcards from the summer. Stage 4 was something else. We rode from Mývatn to Húsavík, over lava fields and hot springs. We played jaja ding d**g for the sake of it. Dinner that night was well deserved.

Thrainn Kolbeinsson took the video.

We are beyond honored to have received Bikerumor.com’s Editor’s Choice as the Event of the Year!!

“The race covers nearly every terrain that you can imagine: pavement, gravel, artificial trails, bike parks, lava, sheep trails, and everything in between. Each stage delivered a different flavor; some were short and sharp. Others were like a mythical quest, riding through the fog with our steeds, never knowing what would come next.”

BikeRumor Editor’s Choice 2025 – Jordan’s Best Bike and Gear Awards 2025 was a massive year for bike and life for our Racing Tech Editor Jordan Villella. He sums up his best experiences & Editor's Choice picks

Postcards from the summer. Remember the first butterflies before Stage 1? We had such a lovely weather, sun and a warm breeze. Remember the kids in the mountain cheering for you? And watching over the Akureyri town…

The Rift MTB, where every horizon dares you to keep going.

Stop. Breathe. Eat. Ride. Repeat until the finish line.

The finish line isn’t just about crossing it, it’s about who you cross it with. Cheers to every teammate, every high-five, and every muddy smile that made The Rift MTB unforgettable.

Where roads end and rules fade, that’s where the fun begins. The Rift MTB, out of the traffic and close to freedom.