2005 will be the fourth year of the TransRockies Challenge, an epic stage race across the eponymous Canadian mountains. The race already has an awesome reputation, and with the theme for 2005's course appearing to be "more great singletrack" it looks like it'll only be getting better. The organisers have just announced the stage locations for the race, giving the 350 riders an idea of what they're letting themselves in for.

"As the TransRockies Challenge enters its fourth year, we wanted to provide a fresh perspective on the race," said Event Director Aaron McConnell. "The new routing will provide new challenges to past participants and more great singletrack for everyone. It also offers the advantage of being in a town setting for an additional day which means outstanding race services. We are sure that both Sparwood and Elkford will be geared up and ready to offer an authentic Rocky Mountain welcome to the hundreds of riders from all over the world who will come to take on the Challenge."

The start will be in the world-famous MTB destination of Fernie in the Southern Canadian Rockies, with Stage 1 taking in a bunch of the superb riding for which Fernie is renowned. Then it's on to the Coal Discovery Trail, an all-new 30km singletrack (yes, you're reading that right) all the way to Sparwood. Day Two runs from Sparwood to the mountain hamlet of Elkford, taking in two crossings of the continental divide and some spectacular high-altitude singletrack on the way. The first two nights are a little closer to civilisation (a bonus for the riders), before the race heads out into the wilds - Day Three includes some of the Rockies' most spectacular vistas and a crossing of the 2,200m Highwood Pass. Bring your climbing legs...

For readers lucky enough to have a map of Canada to hand, here's the full stage rundown:

• Stage 1: August 7 - Fernie, BC to Sparwood, BC
• Stage 2: August 8 - Sparwood, BC to Elkford, BC
• Stage 3: August 9 - Elkford, BC to Etherington Creek, AB
• Stage 4: August 10 - Etherington Creek, AB to Sandy McNabb, AB
• Stage 5: August 11 - Sandy McNabb, AB to Bragg Creek, AB
• Stage 6: August 12 - Bragg Creek, AB to Rafter Six Ranch, AB
• Stage 7: August 13 - Rafter Six Ranch, AB to Canmore, AB

Communications permitting, we'll have reports direct from the race from the British Army team of Sgt Mark Banham and Cpl Pete Sutton, who are now no doubt poring over maps and boggling at contour lines...