Entries remain open as final preparations are being made for the third round of the Chain Reaction MTB Marathon Series powered by Mercedes Benz, which will take place at Shropshire Hills Mountain Bike & Outdoor Pursuit Centre on July 2-3.
The event will again cater for a range of disciplines with Sunday’s marathon event to be preceded by the CyclOps Power Road sportive event on the Saturday. For the roadies – perhaps keen to celebrate the start of the Tour de France on the same day – two courses will be on offer, with an 85 mile (2,800m ascent) and a 50 mile (1,700m) option for competitors.
Attention will then swing to the off-road portion of the weekend. Weather conditions are expected to be perfect for marathon racing and organisers have put together three course options with a mini marathon (25km/750m); half marathon (45km/1,350m); and full marathon (80km/2,450m).
“The route leads initially through a small area of forestry, then up onto the Long Mynd,” explained organisers. “After descending off the Long Mynd, the course makes its way to the Stiperstones, a hill west of the Long Mynd, where you will ride some interesting single and twin tracks up and over the hill, after a short section of tarmac to get your breath back, you soon reach the Forest of Eastridge, which has been used in the past for NPS races.
“After enjoying the technical single track descent and beating the tough climbs you return to the Long Mynd an area, where there is an endless amount of exciting single tracks and bridleways, interspersed with short stretches on minor roads, and then, just when you think it can’t get any better the course finishes with the longest single track descent in Shropshire, possibly the longest in England.”
Camping is offered from Friday through Sunday, with a pasta party for marathon competitors on Saturday night. The family-friendly event will also offer a host of activities for everyone, with children able to participate in Cycle Active Skills Sessions on Sunday. Adults will also be able to brush up their technical skills before Sunday’s marathon, with two Cycle Active skills sessions on Saturday catered to riders of all abilities – although organisers have recommended pre-booking places on these skill sessions by email.
Entries are still open for the event, with prices ranging from £27 for single event entries to £47 for a double event entry. Registration will be available on the day, however a £5 surcharge will apply. Click on the following links for more information or to register online for either the CRC Marathon or CycleOps Road Sportive.