Brendan Fairclough & Andrew Neethling Take On Trans Madeira 2025

Brendan Fairclough and Andrew Neethling take on the ultimate challenge as they return to the Trans Madeira multi-day enduro adventure. How did it go? Watch and see for yourself!

Madeira, Portugal. Sun, sea, and some of the most technical and breathtaking trails in Europe, Trans Madeira Summer 2025 edition was nothing short of legendary. And right at the heart of it were Brendan Fairclough and Andrew Neethling, taking on the madness together.

Equipped with their SCOTT Ransom enduro machines, the longtime friends tackled six unforgettable days of racing across wildly diverse terrain—from misty cloud forests and jagged volcanic rock to fast, flowing coastal descents. And this year, the adventure spanned not just one, but two islands.

Watch the film now and immerse yourself in a raw, beautiful, and brutally demanding journey through one of the world’s most iconic enduro races—told through the eyes (and legs) of two of the sport’s most charismatic riders.

Trans Madeira – A Race Like No Other
Renowned as one of the world’s premier trail and enduro destinations, Madeira offers an incredible mix of terrain—from lush forests to exposed alpine ridges and technical coastal descents. But Trans Madeira takes it to the next level.

This isn’t just a race—it’s a full-on island-crossing adventure. Over five days, riders traverse the entire island, facing every type of terrain imaginable. And in 2025, the challenge grew even bigger with the addition of a second island, transforming the event into a six-day, 35-stage epic that tested riders like never before.

 

“The sheer volume over six days is obviously tough—plus sleeping in a tent—but what caught me off guard was how physically draining it is to race so many special stages each day. You really have to manage your energy, not just for the long liaisons but for the demanding enduro stages that start to stack up.”

Brendan Fairclough

 

Built for This. No Compromises.
When it comes to a race as wild and varied as Trans Madeira, your gear has to go the distance—and then some. Over six grueling days, the SCOTT Ransom proved exactly why it’s the ultimate enduro machine.

Brendan and Andrew needed a bike that could climb efficiently, descend aggressively, and stay dialed through every terrain imaginable. And the Ransom delivered.

With 170mm of travel, a confidence-inspiring geometry, and proven durability, the Ransom handled everything from 1,500-meter alpine climbs to blind, high-speed descents—giving Brendan and Andrew the confidence to push full-send, every single stage.

 

“The Ransom is incredibly light for how capable it is. For Trans Madeira, you need a versatile bike that often forces compromises—but with the Ransom, you don’t sacrifice anything. It does it all exceptionally well. Climbs like a dream and handles rough terrain with ease. Plus, it holds up over six gruelling days.”

Andrew Neethling

 

Old Friends, New Terrain
Enduro might be an individual sport, but for Brendan and Andrew, Trans Madeira was something much more—a shared experience built on years of riding, racing, and traveling the world together. Their dynamic is second nature by now: a balance of opposites, instinctive support, and perfectly timed banter.

They know each other so well that they could sense the subtle signs of fatigue or focus fading. When one started to struggle, the other would step in—whether by upping the pace, easing off the gas, or cracking a joke to lift the mood. Taking on a wild challenge like this felt completely natural for the two.

There’s never a dull moment between them, and their chemistry showed on every stage—whether pacing each other through long liaisons or taking turns leading blind into Madeira’s most technical terrain. No better duo to do it with.

"There’s never a dull day riding with Brendan. We’re often yin to yang. We've seen the world together, so taking on a wild challenge like this felt natural. We know each other so well—we could tell when one of us was struggling and either push or throw in some banter to lift the mood. No better guy to do it with," Andrew says.