The choice of Essex to host the 2012 Olympic MTB event may have been controversial in some circles, but it certainly seems to have galvanised some action in the local race scene. Welcome, then, to the 2009 Eastern Region MTB League, the result of the combined efforts of the British Cycling Regional Go-Ride Team and the unrelentingly lower-case sportessex.

In 2009, the ERMBL will feature four events across Essex and Cambridgeshire, to wit:

• 19 July Danbury Outdoors, Danbury, Chelmsford, Essex
• 9 August Codham Park, Beazley End, Braintree, Essex
• 23 August Hinchingbrooke, Cambridgeshire
• 20 September Langdon Hills, Corringham, Essex

There'll be all the usual race categories, and entry for any on event renders you eligible for a League ranking. Points will be awarded according to finishing position in each race, with overall series prizes for each category. Results and league positions will be posted at www.londoncyclesport.com.

Nigel Hampton, British Cycling Eastern Regional Manager, said, "The ERMBL is an exciting development for the region that should appeal to all those that have been inspired by our Olympic successes."

Alistair Russell, Events Manager of sportessex, said, "sportessex is very proud to have been integral to the formation of the Eastern Region MTB League. Often with all the talk around the Olympics, it is hard to see where the true legacy is. The establishment of the Eastern Region MTB League however provides a real opportunity any rider from across the UK to get a slice of the action!"

Entries for the three Essex events can be made via the Mud Sweat and Gears website at www.mudsweatgears.co.uk. Entries for the St. Ives event are via the post - see www.stives-cc.co.uk for further details.