THE EVENT - included
Payment of the entry fee gives you access to the bike storage and the event’s GPS tracks, refreshments during MadRon GPS (not during Sabotage). Fuel is available but not included.
6th – 9th November 2025
LAST UPDATED – 10th July 2025
- clarified what’s included in each class
- removed sabotage from the Guided option
- simplified checkout form
NEW – Adventure Class – on separate routes
HERE WE GO AGAIN.
MadRon’s cult-like following continues to grow, drawing riders from around the world year after year. Set in the breathtaking hills surrounding Porto, Portugal, the event spans four unforgettable days — pushing endurance, skill, and determination to the limit, whether you choose the easy or hard route.
MadRon is the original non-timed hard enduro — a unique blend of challenge and fun that stays true to the spirit of the sport. Once again, we’re proud to run MadRon in association with the legendary organisers of Extreme XL Lagares.
MadRon’s now cult-like status attracts riders year after year from across the world. It takes place in the stunning hills surrounding Porto, Portugal. The event spans 4 days, testing the endurance, skill, and determination of every participant whether riding the easy or hard options. MadRon is the original non-timed hard enduro that is both hard and fun. MadRon is again proudly run in association with the organisers Extreme XL Lagares.
WHAT WE LEARNT IN ’24
OK, we’ll hold our hands up…
Last year, MadRon may have tipped a little too far towards the extreme. The main route proved too technical in the wet, and as a result, very few riders attempted the extreme excursions — which was never the intention.
This year, we’re resetting the balance. The core route will be made more accessible, with the aim that the Grade 1 Extreme Excursion can be realistically tackled by the average rider — keeping the challenge, but bringing back the flow.
And remember, a guided tour is always available at any point if things get too much. We’ve got your back.
NEW FOR ’25
ADVENTURE CLASS
A new addition for 2025 — specially curated loops that start and finish at the main paddock each day. Expect scenic, adventurous routes that are fun and challenging, with food stops along the way. Designed for adventure bikes and large trail bikes, with some road, gravel and single trail. Not too difficult but not too easy either.
Further informantion to follow.
LOCATION
The paddock moves to a stunning hilltop overlooking Penafiel. Below lies a vast natural amphitheatre that will now host several all-new MadRon features.
EVENT SCHEDULE
We’ve now removed the prologue and shifted the schedule by one day to finish on Sunday, giving the event a more balanced flow and opening up the weekends SABOTAGE activities to local riders.
DAY 1 – MADRON = 6 – 8 hours
DAY2 – MADRON = 6 – 8 hours
DAY3 – MADRON = 3 – 4 hours / SABOTAGE NIGHT RACE = 1 hour +/-
DAY4 – SABOTAGE SUPER SPECIAL = 2 hours +/-
3 DAYS OF GPS NAVIGATION
The cornerstone of the MadRon experience returns with two and half days of GPS hard enduro trail. Still challenging, but hopefully a touch easier than 2024 — no timing, just the optional extreme sections if you want them.
24 HOURS OF SABOTAGE
SATURDAY Night Race – 1 hr+
SUNDAY Super Special – 2 hrs+
SUPPORTING RACES
Across the weekend, we’ll be hosting extra action with supporting races, fun, fast and full of energy for riders and spectators alike.
- 110cc pit-bike tag team race (more info to follow)
- kids’ races (more info to follow)
ENHANCED REFUELING POINTS
For all riders there will be significantly more water, fruit and carbs.
BETTER DEFINED SERVICE PACKAGES
This only applies if you are paying for the optional service package.
- There will be additional Service teams and therefore more mechanics to riders.
- Because it caused significant backlog last year it will be impossible for riders to sign onto the service package once they have a problem. If you are not on service you can ask for help and pay the going hourly rate, but only once the service team has fulfilled its responsibilites to paid-up riders.
- Bike washing will NOT form part of the service package.
The 2025 service schedule is:
- Nut and bolt check
- Check wheel bearings for play (not replace)
- Chain adjust
- Re-align forks
- Brake pads
- Oil level check
- Coolant check
- Clean fork stanchions
- Headstock bearings
- Check starter
- Check Lights
- Replace Air Filter (filter to be supplied by customer)
- Lubrication
- Return Bike to Parc Ferme
You have 4 Options
1.
MADRON (includes SABOTAGE)
Hard Enduro & Competant Trail
MadRon – Ride the MadRon route and as many of the marked extreme excursion as you feel comfortable with. The extremes are graded from one to three and guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. At an appropriate point on the excursion your card will be punched.
Sabotage – 24 Hour access to MADRON’s competetive side with two amazing timed races on Saturday evening and Sunday.
- GPS routes.
- Can be ridden at your own pace (fun)
- 40% Discount has also been applied.
£535
2.
MADRON ADVENTURE (includes SABOTAGE)
Big Bike tracks kick off and wrap up at the main paddock each day, with scenic routes that are all about adventure and fun. They’re not crazy hard, but definitely not boring either—and we’ve got food stops along the way to keep you going.
Sabotage – 24 Hour access to MADRON’s competetive side with two amazing timed races on Saturday evening and Sunday.
- GPS routes.
- Can be ridden at your own pace (fun)
- 40% Discount has also been applied.
£535 (€626)
3.
GUIDED
Join local MadRon guides to enjoy a percentage of the MadRon route tailored to all abilities. With plenty of scenic breaks, coffee stops and a relaxing lunch.
No Sabotage
£470 (€545) – No Sabotage
4.
SABOTAGE ONLY
40% discount for 2025 ONLY
Saturday & Sunday Only
24 Hour access to MADRON’s competetive side with two great but fun (timed) special tests.
Enduro & Adventure classes
£65 (€80)
Dedicated Transport
Updated 07/06/25
UK
07/06/25 – All UK transport is now being booked directly through us (RappRacingUK / MadRon). To improve our service, your local liaison is now split into two regions: North and South.
North – Although booking is through us at MadRon (RappRacingUK), European Enduro Transport (Damo Butler) will act as the local coordinator. He is also offering a collection service, available by separate negotiation directly with him
South – RappRacing UK (Julian Rapp) will act as local liason for the drop/collections south of Leeds and will also offer a bespoke collection service.
£650 Enduro
£750 Adventure
booked at checkout
Key Highlights
MADRON – YOU CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
SABOTAGE – NIGHT RACE
SABOTAGE – 2HR+ SUPER SPECIAL
Frequently Asked Questions
£250 SECURES YOUR PLACE
Spots are limited! A £250 deposit locks in your place at the price showing when you book. The deposit’s are non-refundable in accordance with our terms, but you can pass it on to another rider if plans change. We’ve had to bump it up a bit to help cover some chunky upfront costs.
If you’re on a discounted rate, please try to stick to the payment schedule as this saves us chasing and helps keep things fair for everyone.
Pro tip: selling your place last-minute can be a smart move.
DEDICATED TRANSPORT FROM THE UK
Dedicated UK Bike Transport
We offer a dedicated bike transport service from the UK, with four carefully selected collection points covering the North, Midlands, West, and South. Final details are usually confirmed closer to the event.
Book directly with MadRon at Registration
The UK is then divided into North and South. European Enduro Transport (Damo Butler and James Allen) will assist with loading on the day for points north of Leeds. RappRacingUK (owner of MadRon) will liase with riders south of Leeds.
Both RappRacingUK and European Enduro Transport also offer bespoke collections by arrangement. Pricing is based upon routes radiating from the home hubs. These smaller support vans generally carry up to six+ motorcycles.
DEDICATED TRANSPORT FROM GERMANY/AUSTRIA
Buchungen und Informationen – Haertl-Tours
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT A MADRON TRACK
The event course is strategically designed to accommodate riders of different skill levels. It starts with the main MadRon route, which serves as the foundation for the entire event. This route offers relatively smoother and average technical terrain, allowing riders to warm up and get into the rhythm. Along the main route, there are designated points where harder routes branch off. These offshoots are graded according to their difficulty and lead riders to challenging sections, incorporating slippery climbs, gullies, steep descents and tight singletracks.
FORMAT
- DAY 1 – MADRON
- DAY 2 – MADRON
- DAY 3 – HALF DAY MADRON / NIGHT RACE / PITBIKES / KIDS
- DAY 4 – SUPER SPECIAL
*there is no prologue for 2025
DEFINE HARD ENDURO
Hard Enduro is a sub-genre of off-road motorcycle racing that emphasizes extreme off-road challenges.
It typically involves races that are held on extremely challenging terrain, often including steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, and deep mud or water crossings. These races test the endurance and skills of the riders, as well as the toughness and reliability of their motorcycles.
Hard Enduro events are often held in remote locations, and can last for several hours or even days. They are also known for their spectacular and sometimes dangerous obstacles, which can include high jumps, narrow bridges, and steep cliffs.
The sport has gained popularity in recent years, attracting riders and spectators from all over the world. It is considered to be one of the most challenging forms of off-road motorcycle racing, and is a true test of the rider’s strength, skill, and determination
WHY "MADRON"
The name MadRon is derived from the locally distilled Aguardente de Medronhos which is a traditional fruit brandy obtained from the fruit of the Medronho bush that grows wild in the rural regions in which we ride. Mad-Ron was born out of a particularly “tricky” evening.
You can pronounce it however you like, but we call it Mad-Ron because that is what it does.
The written form is “MadRon”.
DIFFICULTY
MadRon is as “Easy” or as “Hard” as you choose.
At the core of each days route is a loop that’s accessible to riders that like a engaging trail with a handful of awkward sections, this is great for scenery and to enjoy with friends. This route is called MadRon and it is enough for most riders.
Along the main route, there are designated points where harder routes branch off. These offshoots are graded according to their difficulty and lead riders to more challenging sections.
We monitor all of this using live GPS and log your achievements accordingly.
FUEL / SERVICE POINTS
At roughly halfway along the route MadRon will establish a pop-up service point with water, refreshments and fuel. The refreshments are free, but the fuel you will be expected to pay for (carry some cash).
GPS
A gps device is like a satnav for offroad. It is general a handheld unit mounted onto your handlebars. We load on a route which shows as a line on your screen. You then navigate along the route by keeping the line in the middle of your screen.
EACH MORNING YOUR GPS IS RETURNED TO YOU WITH THAT DAY’S ROUTES
Unlike more formal hard enduro events you leave when you are ready, either in a small group or alone, it’s your choice. Static and riding marshals will monitor areas and offer some help and encouragement, then sweepers will close the track after the last rider has passed through.
You are required to bring your own GPS. Please use the GPS section below to find out which units we can upload our tracks to.
Almost all recent handheld Garmin devices will accept a .gpx file. Our tracks can have 5000 points and older Garmins and most cycling computers just cant take that much data.
We personally approve of the following:
- Garmin eTrex 10, 20, 30, 20x, 30x, 22x, 32x, Touch 25, Touch 35 (NOT old HCX models)
- Any Garmin Montana
- Garmin Oregon
- Garmin GPSMAP
- DMD2 for Android is a great option the Adventure riders (but please dont expect to use it straight out of the box)
LIVE TRACKING
All participants will be monitored live using the latest GPS tracking system. This technology allows us to analytically monitor a riders progress through the day and communicate with them if they are alone and stationary for any length of time. This is perfect for safety.
PENEFIEL/PORTO
MadRon 2025 takes place in Lagares.
Lagares is a small village with a big name in the world of hard enduro. Tucked into the hills just outside Penafiel, it’s known for its steep, rocky terrain and legendary technical sections that have challenged some of the best riders in the sport. It’s raw, real, and packed with the kind of trails that make you earn every mile. But beyond the bike, it’s also a place of quiet charm, with friendly locals and a strong sense of tradition
Penafiel is a charming town just a short distance away. Just 30 minutes from Porto, it blends Portuguese charm with great food.
Porto is a city located to the west and is one of the oldest cities in the country and is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural heritage. It is located along the Douro River and is renowned for its port wine production.
Partners
LIVE TRACKING
Our friends at “Crono Bandeira” equip each rider with a transponder to constantly track their position and transmit it to headquarters. The monitoring device is securely placed at the top of the rider’s backpack enabling seamless two-way communication with HQ. This setup also allows riders to send SOS alerts and allows HQ to contact them if they’ve been stationary for an extended period. Whilst expensive to implement, it massively enhances MadRon’s ability to precisely monitor and ensure the security of riders, providing assurance that they are under constant surveillance.
VIDEOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
ACTIONGRAPHERS
Actiongraphers return to MadRon.
Actiongraphers is a professional rally photography duo based in Bulgaria, comprising Yana Stancheva and Anton Anestiev. Specializing in off-road motorsport events, they have built a reputation for capturing dynamic images from some of the most challenging and scenic races worldwide.
SOCIALS
ROBBO MEDIA
Hard Enduro and Adventure biased Video, Interviews and Social Media with ROBBO ROBINSON. Robbo’s is set to document this year’s MadRon Adventure class. Follow him robbo-media for further updates.
BIKE RENTAL
FLYING IN ?
Need to hire a hard enduro prepped bike? Contact Paulo at endurocode.com
SERVICE PACKAGES
Service Package – €80 (tbc)
Eighty euros covers the 3 evenings during the event (not the last day). You will be expected to pay for parts and significant consumables. Most parts are stocked including extreme tyres, mousses, pads, levers and filters. Professional mechanics. Bikes are transferred into Parc Ferme after service. Bring cash with you to be paid following signing on.
PLEWS “PRIME” TYRE PACKAGE
Hassle Free Tyres – €tbc
Plews have pledged their full support for MadRon and will be out in force. Their super-soft compound is widely regarded as the definitive — if not the only — choice for the demanding terrain of Northern Portugal. Don’t take chances with anything else. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of their excellent-value ride-in supply and fitting service.
Mousses will also be available.
What’s Included
What to do and when
MadRon Team
Julian Rapp
Main Organiser of MadRon.
Katie Rapp
aka "Boot Camp"
Paulo Melicia
The mind behind the infamous Extreme XL Lagares race. An expert in building trails, knows the whole region like the back of his hand.
Paul Ellis Smith
Filipe Neves
Track Manager
Wendy Ellis Smith
GPS Gnomes #TEAMDRINKIT
Merch coming soon
Rider List
Rider List – only visible on a large screen
- Saxon Nell
- Ed Roberts
- Rhys Evans
- Nick Walter
- Robbo Robinson
- Brian Roper
- Ben Roper
- Scot Roper
- Hudson Roper
- Daniel Alexandre
- Damo Butler
- Jamie Gardiner
- Rob Graham
- Rob Graham #2
- Ivan Coufal
- Rob Pearce
- Rob Pearce #2
- Rob Pearce #3
- Neil Mantaj
- Simon Nutter
- Mark Huston
- Rob Parry
- Richard Manser
- Brett Lidsey
- Paul Read
- Nicholas Ford
- Andreas Härtl
- Härtl #1
- Härtl #2
- Härtl #3
- Härtl #4
- Härtl #5
- Härtl #6
- Nick Palmer
- James Meston
- Rob Perkins
- Simon Cawthorne
- Andrew Slocombe
- James Rees
- Terry Manship
- Dylan Wright
- Steven Jones
Sponsored Rider: Matt Green (MG47)
MadRon Hard Enduro proudly sponsors Matt Green, also known as MG47, one of the most exciting young riders in the global extreme enduro scene. Hailing from South Africa, Matt is a rising star in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, known for his technical precision, relentless determination, and bold riding style.
Career Highlights
- 2022 – Crowned FIM Junior Cup Champion
- Multiple Top‑10 finishes in elite events like Red Bull Romaniacs, Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, and Red Bull Outliers
- Known for mastering rock, sand, and mountain terrain on his KTM 300 EXC
Why MadRon Supports MG47
MadRon supports Matt’s journey at the highest level of the sport. With grit, speed, determination, fun and charm he represents the future of hard enduro.
While our budget is extremely limited, the key reason we chose to support Matt is because of the selfless support he has shown to MadRon over the years.
Matt is more than just a professional rider — he is a regular rider at MadRon events and has become part of the community. In 2023, he created a fantastic YouTube video capturing his personal MadRon experience, completely off his own back. That gesture, along with his humble attitude and ongoing encouragement for what we do, is what made us want to support him in return.
We’re proud to see the MadRon name riding with him across the world
Connect with Matt on Instagram: @mattgreen47