British Cycling has announced that the 2013 British MTB Marathon Championships are to be staged in the Borders, as part of the Selkirk MTB Marathon.
The event – on Saturday, June 8 – is under new management. Selkirk-based Durty Events are also responsible for award-winning triathlon and duathlon events throughout Scotland, including the Durty Triathlon, Craggy Island Triathlon and the Celtman Extreme Triathlon.
A British Cycling spokesman said: “We are delighted to be returning to Selkirk for the 2013 Marathon Championships. The Borders has some excellent trails, and it’s one of the few areas in Britain that can provide a course over a single loop.
“We had other applications, which were considered, but the Selkirk bid was considered to offer the best combination of date, proven course and established event infrastructure.”
The British MTB Championships are open to male and female riders (19 or older) who are British citizens and hold a full BC or UCI recognised racing licence; with coveted red, white and blue jerseys up for grabs. There are also integrated championship categories for veteran men and women.
For those non-license holders who are taking part in The Selkirk MTB Marathon, there are three fully-marked courses with distances of 25km, 50km and 80km – something for everyone, from families to racing enthusiasts.
Paul McGreal of Durty Events said: “We’re really chuffed to have been asked to organise the British Championships.
“We’re expecting the very best riders in the UK to come and test themselves on the very best single-lap course in the country. We believe we have the best trails the Borders has to offer and the most popular and challenging course in the UK which is why Selkirk has been voted ‘Best MTB Marathon’ several times.
“We aim to provide an achievable challenge for riders of every ability in fantastic surroundings with a lot of fun thrown in as well.”
Online entry is via www.entrycentral.com and there are also links from.selkirkmtbmarathon.com.
Entry fees are: 80km British MTB Marathon Champs £40; 25/50/80km Marathon £30. Entry on the day (subject to availability) £35.
Twelve to 15-year-olds ride for free over the 25km course, but must be accompanied by a full-price entry adult.