The second round of this year's Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series takes place on 22-23 May in Builth Wells, Wales, and organisers are promising an action-packed weekend of cycling.
Alongside the main mountain bike enduro there'll be a road sportive, an XC Dirt Eliminator – where four cross-country riders at a time will compete over a short course – children's races and guided rides with the crew from CycleActive.
CRC MTB Marathon powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport
The main event kicks off at 10am on Sunday with four new courses to suit all abilities. Organisers say: "Contrary to the first round of the series, this event will have the long marathon on offer for all the endurance fanatics out there.
"John has made use of the huge amount of trails and tracks to choose from, and has created a completely different set of courses so that even regular Builth Wells marathon riders will be pleased to have returned."
For more details, including course descriptions and profiles, visit www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/builth.php. To enter, visit www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php. Check out some of the action from the first round below:
MTB marathon
CycleOps Power Road Sportive
The first CycleOps Power Road Sportive takes place on the Saturday, with a choice of 53-mile or 88-mile courses. You can find full details, including profiles, maps and course descriptions, at www.roadsportives.co.uk//builth.php. All riders get free camping and parking, after-ride coffee, tea and cake, and a finishing present. To enter, visit www.roadsportives.co.uk/entry.php.
XC Dirt Eliminator, kids' races & guided rides
In the XC Dirt Eliminator, four riders will battle it out over a short course at the rear of the event village – which will also be used for the final special stage in the 2010 Gore Bike Wear TransWales – with the fastest two riders going on to the next round.
Mixed in with the XC Dirt Eliminator will be kids' races on the same course including categories for children over and under 12. Entry to the XC Dirt Eliminator and kids' races is free of charge. There is no pre-entry – simply sign on when you arrive. Racing will start at 5pm on Saturday.
The guys from CycleActive will run skills sessions and lead guided rides on Saturday. If you want to make sure you get a place, email chris@cycleactive.co.uk.
