The ever-popular Merida MTB Marathon Series returns for 2008, with six rounds in Britain plus the overseas event in Austria. As has become traditional, the series kicks off at Builth Wells in April, with the weekend once again incorporating the Exposure Lights Big Night Out night marathon.

There'll be two rounds in Scotland for 2008 (although the proposed Aviemore event is still TBC) - the many fans of Selkirk will be pleased to see that one putting in a reappearance. And the series rounds up in England with a return trip to Penrith.

Apart from the first Builth event and Aviemore, all the events will have a choice of four different course lengths (roughly 25, 50, 75 and 100km) - the exceptions will have three distances to choose from.

Your £30 entry fee includes free camping and parking, pasta party, finisher's T-shirt, food and technical support on the course, bike wash, free gifts and prize draws. Those dates in full:

• 12/13 April Builth Wells, Wales (featurng Exposure Lights Big Night Out night marathon)
• 24/25 May Ruthin, Wales
• 21/22 June Aviemore, Scotland (TBC)
• 5/6 July Builth Wells, Wales
• 12 July Bad Goisern, Austria
• 2/3 August Selkirk, Scotland
• 13/14 September Penrith, Cumbria

In a new twist, there'll also be road events at most of the UK-based weekends (except Builth in April and Aviemore) in the shape of the Gore Bike Wear Road Sportive Series. There'll be 40-50 mile or 80-100 mile route options, with the rides taking place on the Saturday of the relevant weekends. We expect to see a healthy number of loons doing the 100 mile sportive on Saturday and the 100km marathon on the Sunday...

As usual, everything you need to know can be found at www.mtb-marathon.co.uk.