For years Selkirk in the Scottish Borders (only a stone throw away from the famous riding locations of Glentress and Innerleithen) has been a regular on the UK mountain bike scene and a strong contender for the ‘best in series’ event in the MTB-Marathon Series. The series has been coming to Selkirk for the last seven years and the crowd has always loved the welcoming atmosphere, the fantastic courses (which incorporate some of the world class single track of the 7 Stanes) and the beautiful setting in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Very important for marathon racers the 2012 Selkirk round of the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series will host the UK MTB-Marathon Championships.
For years the UK MTB-Marathon Championships have been lap based events where riders had to complete 3-5 laps of a set course. This made it potentially easier for the riders and their support crew but also took the adventure aspect of the long distance away from the challenge.
2012 will be different with the UK MTB-Marathon Championships being run on one big 85km long loop. To give the races a clean run of the course the Champs will start ahead of the ‘normal’ marathon but will be run on the much loved full distance course of the ‘non competitive’ marathon.
The BCF sanctioned event will take place on Sunday the 20th of May and only riders with a valid BCF racing licence can partake in the race. The entry for the UK Marathon Championships will close on the 7th May and there is no ‘entry on the day’ available. National jerseys for the winners of the Senior Male, Senior Female, Veteran Male and Veteran Female category will be given out as well as medals for the first three places in the aforementioned categories.
And if you don’t have a BCF licence – don’t worry you can still get involved in the ‘non competitive’ marathon which will be run on the same fantastic course and will be the same support. Only difference really you are not in a race and will start just behind the UK National Champs!
The UK MTB-Marathon Championships are part of one big weekend or cycling activities around Selkirk. On the 19th May the Vitus Road Sportives will be coming to town with two road courses while Sunday the 20th May is all about riding your mountain bike. Find details on the weekend here.