Alton Towers is giving thrill-seekers the chance to ride Nemesis with its creator before it closes

Fancy climbing aboard Nemesis for the final ride? Alton Towers is giving thrill-seekers the chance to brave the roller coaster with its creator before it closes for a major two-year revamp

  • The ride is due to close on November 6 and will return in 2024
  • Thrill-seekers can put themselves forward as a final ride ‘test specimen’ 
  • The chosen few will ride Nemesis with the creative originator, John Wardley  

Alton Towers Resort is giving thrill-seeking roller coaster fans the chance to climb aboard its Nemesis attraction for the last ride before it closes for a revamp – with the man who created it.

The ride is due to close on November 6 and will return in 2024. Those who ‘think they have what it takes to face Nemesis one last time’ can put themselves forward as a final ride ‘test specimen’.

The lucky chosen few will board the inverted roller coaster with the creative originator, John Wardley.

Alton Towers Resort is giving thrill-seeking roller coaster fans the chance to climb aboard its Nemesis attraction for the last ride before it closes for a revamp – with the man who created it

Alton Towers, which announced the temporary closure of the ride in September, says that the ride ‘is now under the control of The Phalanx, a secret organisation tasked with keeping the beast under control’.

The resort explained: ‘This elite organisation claims Nemesis – the beast that the ride pins down – is behaving abnormally.

‘They are seeking last riders which they call “final test specimens” to assist with investigations, and they are refusing to comment any further at this point.’

As well as meeting John Wardley, the final test specimens selected to brave Nemesis will be awarded complimentary park access and fast-track gold passes.

Kate McBirnie, Head of Guest Excellence at Alton Towers Resort, said: ‘We know that a place on Nemesis’ last ride is much-coveted.

‘It’s a moment in history for the famous ride and we can’t think of a better way to honour this occasion than giving fans the opportunity to be part of this special event. As you’d expect we will be delivering “thrilliant” surprises during the day.’

Visitors to the Staffordshire park who ride Nemesis on the final day will also be able to get their hands on a limited-edition photo.

Nemesis is due to close on November 6 and will return in 2024. Those who 'think they have what it takes to face Nemesis one last time' can put themselves forward as a final ride 'test specimen'. The lucky chosen few will board the inverted roller coaster with the creative originator, John Wardley

Nemesis is due to close on November 6 and will return in 2024. Those who ‘think they have what it takes to face Nemesis one last time’ can put themselves forward as a final ride ‘test specimen’. The lucky chosen few will board the inverted roller coaster with the creative originator, John Wardley

Nemesis cost £10million to build and was named Europe’s first inverted roller coaster when it opened in 1994.

Riders experience 3.5 G-force as they race past the rocks and rivers of the theme park’s Forbidden Valley at speeds of up to 50mph.

It carries dangling thrill seekers along numerous twists and turns and features four inversions.

Alton Towers said the ride had attracted people ‘from across the globe’.

Alton Towers, which announced the temporary closure of Nemesis in September, says that the ride 'is now under the control of The Phalanx, a secret organisation tasked with keeping the beast under control'

Alton Towers, which announced the temporary closure of Nemesis in September, says that the ride ‘is now under the control of The Phalanx, a secret organisation tasked with keeping the beast under control’

Social media users reacted with dismay to the news that Nemesis is closing temporarily

Social media users reacted with dismay to the news that Nemesis is closing temporarily

When news broke that Nemesis was shutting down there was an outcry.

Fans of the loop-the-loop ride said their day was ‘ruined’ upon hearing the news.

Taking to social media, one person said: ‘Nemesis is closing??? Wednesday ruined.’

Another wrote: ‘Alton Towers are closing Nemesis – no one talk to me this is the worst news.’

A third posted: ‘Alton Towers are closing Nemesis. Life will never be the same.’

Want to be a Nemesis test specimen for the final ride? Visit www.altontowers.com/nemesislastride.