Tudor Oprea about e-MTB: “That was a game-changer”

At 48 years old, Tudor Oprea stands as a pioneering figure in Romanian mountain biking. With an illustrious racing career and a growing influence as an event organizer, Oprea is redefining what it means to ride – and race – in Romania. We sat down with Tudor to talk about his journey, the rise of E-Mountain Biking, and why Romania is ready to take its place on the global MTB stage.

Tudor, let’s start at the beginning. How did you get into mountain biking?

I started racing cross-country back in the late 1990s. At the time, the scene in Romania was just developing, so it was both exciting and challenging. Over the years, I won 13 national titles in XCO and 4 Balkan Championships. It’s been a long but rewarding journey.

You later transitioned into enduro and eventually E-MTB. What attracted you to those disciplines?

Enduro brought a fresh challenge – more technical, more gravity-based. But E-MTB? That was a game-changer. Around 2018, I got my first taste, and I was hooked. It’s fast, intense, and pushes you in new ways both uphill and down. Since then, I’ve raced in the E-MTB World Championships in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

You’re also well-known as an event organiser. Tell us about the Triada MTB series.

In 2012, I founded Triada MTB, a series of three mountain bike races held annually in Romania. Many of these events are now on the UCI calendar or serve as national championships in disciplines like XCO, XCC, and XCM. It’s been exciting to watch the series grow in reputation and participation.

Your biggest project so far was organizing the European Championships last year. How was that experience?

It was a massive honour and a huge challenge. I was appointed Project Manager for the European XCO-XCC-XCR Championships – the biggest MTB event ever hosted in Romania. We had to build a new course from scratch at Cheile Grădiștei, but the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. That track is now one of the most praised on the calendar.

Let’s talk about Triada eMTB Xperience. What makes it special?

It’s a unique three-day event dedicated entirely to E-MTB. It combines mass-start stages with time trials, featuring very technical climbs and descents across the Făgăraș Mountains. We want riders to experience the full potential of what E-MTB racing can offer.

You also managed Romania’s first eMTB National Championships. What does this milestone mean for the sport locally?

It was a proud moment. It showed that Romania is ready to invest in the future of this discipline. E-MTB is evolving fast, and we want to be a part of its international growth.

Now you’re about to host the first-ever E-MTB World Cup in Romania. What can we expect from the WES Cheile Grădiștei event?

It’s going to be one of the toughest and most beautiful courses on the calendar – challenging both technically and physically. I hope it sets a new benchmark and inspires other organisers to aim high. And I truly believe Romania deserves to be a long-term stop on the World Cup circuit.

Final message for the international mountain bike community?

Come and ride in Romania. You won’t regret it. We’ve got incredible trails, passionate people, and top-tier racing. Take advantage of our special accommodation offers—and we’ll see you in Cheile Grădiștei!