Merida Marathon Series starts this weekend

The 2008 Merida Bikes mountain bike Marathon Series begins this weekend, April 12 -13, in Builth Wells, and starts with the Exposure Lights Big Night Out night marathon.

The night marathon consists of a 40km route, which has been improved on since last year’s popular course, and will begin at around 7.30pm.

Sunday morning at 10.30am will see the start of the Spring marathon series of three different distances – 25, 45 and 65km. Many riders are signing up for both the night ride and the marathon the following day. There’s a discount of £15 if you’re entering both. For further details on the April event go to the event page or straight to the entry page.

Mountain bike chariot racing at the Merida Marathon Series

Do not adjust your monitor…mountain bike chariot racing will be a regular fixture at the Marathon Series events this year. The races, which involve a chariot comprising two ‘pullers’ and one driver will take place on an off-road course, in an eliminator format with the fastest of four chariots advancing to the next round. The course will be around and/or within the event village so there’ll be plenty of space to spectate and heckle the riders. Entry is available for chariot riders on the day.

Entries

The online entry will stay open until Friday lunch time. Entries received after this time may not be able to take part. Entry will be accepted on the line, so you can still turn up on the day and race.

New Merida 96 marathon machine

The guys from Merida Bikes will be displaying their new 96er – on display for the first time in the UK. Check it out at the event.

Cycle Active skills courses

Cycle Active will be at the Marathon events in 2008 running their popular skills courses and rides. This year they’ll also be running the Cycle Active TT (Total Training) program. To find out more go to the event page and scroll down the page to their section. Booking is advised for this to avoid disappointment.

The Gore Bike Wear Road Sportive Series will be run in tandem with the Merida Bikes Marathon Series in 2008.