CRC MTB Marathon Series hits Selkirk this weekend

Here’s word from Mike about the Selkirk round of the popular Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport. The circus will set up camp at the Selkirk Rugby Club in Selkirk on the 23rd July – 24th July 2011 and he’s saying that you won’t need your mud tyres, which must be a good thing. Following in the steps of the Llandovery and Marshbrook event there will also be a road sportive on the Saturday as well as the MTB marathon on the Sunday. Here’s the news in full:

“The round in Selkirk has established itself over the last few years as the most loved and talked about course of the series and the 2011 round will try once again to go for the crown. Our man in Selkirk, Pete Laing has been helping us on the Selkirk round since the start as well as on the 2007 TransScotland. For 2011 he has once more 4 mountain bike courses to choose from but also two sportive rides. So as you can see plenty to choose from.

The weather forecast for the weekend is looking good – with sunny skies on both days of the weekend and perfect riding temperatures. The trails around Selkirk are surprisingly dry and will make for some fast and fun packed riding at the weekend. No need to bring your mud tyres as it looks.

With Saturday coming to an end at the pasta party Sunday’s focus will be on the CRC MTB Marathon which will have four different distances on offer. Peter and John have been putting some extra hours to fine tune the existing courses. You will find most of the classic Selkirk sections on the course as well as few new additions. You can find all the details including course details and profiles on the Selkirk event page and in the news section of the marathon website. On top of that you will also find the event time table and information of what else will be going on over the weekend on the event page.

To enter the MTB Marathon please go directly to the entry page HERE where you can either download an entry form or enter directly through the new online entry service. To enter the CycleOps Power Road Sportive please go HERE. You can still enter the sportive as well as the MTB marathon via the online entry up to but if you enter after Friday (22nd July) lunchtime don’t be surprised that your name will not be on the entry list. No worries though we can look you up and add you to the start list.

Weekend Ticket and day entries

With two events on offer we will have again a weekend ticket which will give riders who want to take part in both events over the weekend (sportive on Saturday and MTB Marathon on Sunday) a discount offering the whole for a combined price of £ 47. There will also be day entries available but there is a £ 5 day entry surcharge. So why not save yourself some money and enter now!

Registration opening times:
• Friday from 6 – 9pm
• Saturday from 6am – 8pm (Please note: from 6 – 9am Saturday only road sportive riders can register)
• Sunday from 7 – 9am

Start times:
• The CycleOps Power Road Sportive will commence between 8.30 – 10am on Saturday, 23rd July ‘11
• The Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon (powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport) ride will start at 10am on Sunday the 24th July ’11
• Both events will start from the Rugby Club in Selkirk (TD7 5AX)

CycleActive Skills Clinics and Coaching Rides – Saturday Programme:
Free skills clinics and coaching rides set off from the CycleActive stand at 2pm and 4pm.

At each time there will be two levels:
• Advanced skills clinic/ride for experienced riders.
• Easier warm up and coaching ride for novices and intermediates.

The advanced sessions are strictly for confident, competent riders who want to gain speed, control and improved flow through all parts of their marathon ride.

Spaces are limited so advanced booking is recommended, by email, to admin@cycleactive.co.uk. The sessions are completely free, making this a unique chance to get video feedback and personal skills advice, from basics up to advanced moves, from some of the top skills coaches in the UK. All sessions are supported by Buff, the original headwear company.

Junior Skills Activities – Sunday:
To support the younger riders who are not yet old enough to complete a marathon, the CycleActive team will run a morning and afternoon skills session for juniors (ages 4 to 14). The first of these will run half an hour after the marathon start, the second will run at 12:30pm, and youngsters are encouraged to attend both sessions as they will cover different skills. Sessions are free and there is no need to sign up in advance.
After the Selkirk round there is only one round left in the 2011 Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport. The last round will take us to Ruthin in North Wales for another double event. The last round features the 2nd Exposure Lights Big Night Out Night Marathon on Saturday followed by the CRC MTB Marathon on Sunday. Make sure you get your entries to the final 2011 round in now!