Forestry Commission - News - scottish biking championship to glentress

Spectators are welcome to come along and cheer on some of Scotland's top mountain bikers when they compete at Glentress Forest on Sunday 3 April.

The race is round one of the Scottish Cross Country Series and will include over 200 riders of all ages and categories.

Competitors will be racing round Glentress forest's award winning trails which are part of the Euro funded 7stanes initiative building seven biking centres across the south of Scotland. Some of the top riders will be hoping to gain places for the Scottish Commonwealth Games squad.

Racing starts at 1100 hours and is likely to finish late into the afternoon with a short presentation ceremony for the winners.

Alex Maclennan of Forestry Commission Scotland is delighted that Glentress is kicking off the 2005 race series:

"It's great that Glentress is starting off the series with a big bang. The trails are very popular being testing but great fun to ride. All the riders will be challenged in their technical riding abilities and fitness. We expect the event to be a great day out and definitely one for the spectators."

As the race will be using part of the trail network there will be diversions in place for those not competing. Forest walks will be open as normal.

Chairwoman of the Scottish Cross Country Series is Jackie Reid:

Glentress will be an exciting season opener for the 2005 Scottish Cross Country MTB Series. We are hoping that it will encourage riders who regularly use Glentress to try out competition for the first time. We have categories to represent all ages, from primary schools upwards, and abilities. Entries are accepted on the day but there are discounts for pre-entering."

For more information on the project and Glentress log on to www.7stanes.gov.uk. Log on to www.sxc.org.uk for details about the championship series.

The 7stanes project is being carried out by a partnership of Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Dumfries & Galloway, the European Regional Development Fund through the South of Scotland European Partnership, Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders Councils and Tourist Boards, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage, Solway Heritage, Barony College and local cycling volunteers.

Media enquiries: Alex Maclennan on 01750 721 120 or Jackie Reid, Chairwoman of the Scottish Cross Country Series 0131 456 6152.