Innerleithen Mountain Bike Racing announce winter dates

While Winter might be a time to put on an extra few pounds and hide in the house until the weather is less depressing, it doesn’t have to be like that – there are plenty of races to keep you on your toes this winter.

If you’re anywhere near the north of the country then Innerleithen MTB Racing have a few good reasons to steer clear of the comfort food during the festive season with a trio of events that cover all the good bits of riding a bike, from classic XC enduros to downhill racing. Press release below:

“Innerleithen MTB Racing is delighted to announce the Alpine Winter Series of events as follows:

Alpine Winter Series Race 1 Multi-Stage XC Enduro – Weekend 28th/29th January

Alpine Winter Series Race 2 Multi-Stage Day/Night Enduro – Weekend 18th/19th February

Alpine Winter Series Race 3 Traditional Downhill Race – Weekend 3rd/4th March

All events will be held within Traquair Forest, Innerleithen.

For the first time, Innerleithen MTB Racing and Alpine Bikes are working together to bring you the 2012 Alpine Winter Series. There are some changes to the series including more multi-stage style races in recognition of feedback from riders. The Series consists of three races over three months with prizes in various categories for individual races as well as the overall series. A special prize will be awarded to the rider with the best overall series performance that uses the same bike for all three races.

The first Alpine Winter Series race in January is a Multi-Stage XC Enduro comprised of a number of special stages on the Sunday, with practice allowed on the Saturday afternoon. This is a relaxed event where riders ride between special timed stages with their mates, swapping stories of the stage just completed and those yet to come. Special stages are mainly downhill XC routes, with some climbing included. January in Innerleithen could give us anything from glorious sunshine to drifting snow, so good tyre choice will be essential.

February sees race two in the Alpine Winter Series – a Multi-Stage Day/Night Enduro. A similar relaxed atmosphere to Race One is expected, but this time the special stages will be raced at night, as well as by day.

The final race in the Alpine Winter Series is a traditional DH event with uplift service. Practice and qualifying on the Saturday will be followed by further practice and race runs on Sunday. This prize giving will include the award of the overall Winter Series Champion.

Further information and details on how to enter can be found on the Innerleithen MTB Racing website at: http://www.innerleithenmtbracing.com