Spring will have sprung by the time the first round of the popular Merida MTB Marathon series gets off to a start in four weeks time. Builth Wells hosts the first of six UK rounds (with one round overseas in Austria) which sees the Exposure Lights Big Night Out (ELBNO) on the Saturday followed by the Spring Marathon on the Sunday on 12/13 April.
The 40km night marathon, a hit over the last couple of years, has had its course updated so expect a good balance of single and doubletrack trails. And as a special extra once passed the finish line on Saturday night the ELBNO riders are invited to coffee, tea and cake so that recharging the batteries for a potential 2nd marathon of the weekend is well on its way.
Sunday's Spring marathon offers three distances 25, 45 and 65km. Those riders opting to ride the ELBNO will be allowed an extra 30minutes in bed with a delayed start.
The organiser reports that entries are coming in thick and fast, with many opting for both events. There are still lots of places left for either of the two events, and if you decide to enter both events you'll be able to enjoy a £15 discount.
If all that wasn't enough, there's some new, rather interesting, activities being added to the mix. Such as MTB Chariot racing! Yup, this could be a world first (at least to our knowledge), with two pullers and one driver so the teams will be made up of three riders. The course will be around and/or within the event village so that everyone can enjoy this new and thrilling race.
Cycle Active will be there again in 2008 running their popular skills courses and rides over the weekend. This year they will go one step further by adding the Cycle Active TT (Total Training) to their program.
www.mtb-marathon.co.uk
