World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championships

Just outside the smallest town in Britain, Llanwrtyd Wells, a group of people with questionable sanity race through a bog on mountain bikes. The event's official title is the World Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling Championships.A special trench is cut into the bog, six feet deep and 45 yards long, and competitors must complete two lengths of it using snorkels to ensure survival and prevent inhalation of the murky water.

Wetsuits are optional (but highly recommended) and the bikes themselves are specially designed with lead in the tubes and water in the tyres to help the riders stay firmly on the bottom. The cyclist/snorkellists wear lead weight belts to avoid floating off the bike!

Speed is of the essence, but a steady pace is advised. Visibility is low to non-existent but riders must aim for a pole at the far end of the trench, manoeuvre round it and make it back to the start as fast as they can.

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