Team relays and bike manufacturer demos spice up already successful series
Oli Beckingsale leads (Image credit: Mike Hadjioannou)
The British Mountain Bike Series will return in 2010, with five racing events and the backing of three major bicycle brands at six demos held in conjunction with the series: Giant, Specialized and Trek. In 2009, the series attracted over 4,000 riders to participate in enduros and cross country races according to British Cycling.
The series will visit five racing venues in Yorkshire, South West London, South Wales, Plymouth and Nottinghamshire. A demo-only round of the series will also happen in Scotland early in the season.
"Things have really developed in 2009 and we felt that the one thing missing was a high level demo package," said Series Organizer Martyn Salt to British Cycling. "We spoke to Giant, Specialized and Trek and they all agreed that it would be a great way for them to support the racers at the events and showcase their product range. To be able to test ride a bike and watch the best riders in action is a great way to bring more people to the events. With British Cycling's support, we now have a great package that should appeal to anyone that rides a mountain bike.
"We are introducing a team relay format as well next year so it's going to be another busy year."
Each full weekend will feature elite racing, camping, enduros, demos, enduro rides, team relays and free races for under 12-year-olds.
2010 British cross country mountain bike series March 6-7: Glentress (no racing, demo only) March 27-28: Sherwood Pines (British XC1 + Nightrider 6 + night demo) May 8-9: Porridge Pot Hill (British XC2 + Are You Tough Enough enduro) May 29-30: Margam Park (British XC3 + Big Welsh Weekend enduro) July 3-4: Dalby Forest (British XC4 + Great Yorkshire enduro) September 25-26: Newnham Park (British XC5 + Newnham 60 enduro)
Kate Potter and Oli Beckingsale won the elite women's and mens series, respectively, in 2009.
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Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.
