Lopes in dual slalom action (BikeRadar)

Ibis Cycles rider and four-time four-cross world champion Brian Lopes has signed up to ride in the Mountain Biking UK Eliminator at BikeRadar Live.

The Californian racer will face a host of big name riders on the start line, including world downhill champion Greg Minnaar and fellow Santa Cruz Syndicate rider Josh Bryceland.

Other stars on the starters’ list include Australian downhill legend Chris Kovarik, 2007 downhill junior world champ Ruaridh Cunningham, World Cup four-cross rider Lucas Mechura and UK downhill and 4X star Nigel Page.

Lopes was dual slalom world champion in 2001 and has won five World Cup dual slalom events, so he’s a hot favourite to top the podium, and he can’t wait to race at BikeRadar Live.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to coming to England for this dual slalom.  With Will Longden building the course and the backing of the MBUK guys, I have high expectations that it should be a great event. The crowds are always first notch in England and they always make it more enjoyable to race.

“Dual slalom has always been an event I’ve loved, even more than four-cross, so it's great that it’s making a resurgence in one the top mountain bike countries. I'll try to bring some California sunshine with me. See you all soon!"

About BikeRadar Live

BikeRadar Live is the biggest ever mass-participation cycling event to hit the UK, and will take place on the weekend of 30–31 May 2009 at DoningtonPark in Leicestershire.

The weekend will be packed full of races and challenges, with something for everyone, whether you want to compete, watch your friends and family or just check out some of the world’s best riders.

Entry into any of the events gives you full access to the festival’s many attractions including spectacular all-weather stunt displays, invitational dirt jump and dual slalom comps, a cycling film festival, live big top entertainment and the Scott Sunset DJ Sessions. Test yourself against pro and celebrity riders in the Procycling Hot Laps, post a time in the Wattbike comp or take the kids along to the Islabikes Children's Skills School. A purpose-built bikes and accessories expo will give festival-goers the chance to ride the latest bikes from leading brands and grab show-only deals on bikes and accessories.

Events include the Cycling Plus Sportive in association with the Geoff Thomas Foundation (100km and 100 mile), Whyte Night night-time enduros (12hr and 4hr), MBUK Eliminator dual-slalom and the Devil Takes the Hindmost circuit race. Click here to sign up.

BikeRadar Live’s world-class facilities include on-site camping with a kids and family area, secure bike lock-up, showers, bike wash, workshop, picnic area, medical centre, viewing stands and food and drink market.

BikeRadar Live is brought to you by Future, the makers of Mountain Biking UK, Cycling Plus, BikeRadar.com, What Mountain Bike, Cyclingnews.com and Procycling. For more details, go to the BikeRadar Live website.

You can follow BikeRadar on Twitter at twitter.com/bikeradar and on Facebook at facebook.com/BikeRadar.

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