Published: Friday, 28th July, 2006 12:55
Wheely tough race
By David knox
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THE hills around Innerleithen are set to host one of the Borders biggest ever sporting events.
More than 1,000 bikers will be wheeling into the region today (Friday) and tomorrow for the third Merida Marathon.
And organizers believe it will be the biggest and best yet.
More than 950 riders have pre-entered for the race and up to a further 300 are expected to register on the day.
Course builder Peter Laing told the Peeblesshire News: “The trails have been really well received during the past two events we have held, and they are even tougher this year.
“The people from Merida also rate our race as the best in the UK, which helps attract some of the country’s top riders.
“We had just under 1,000 last year, and we expect a few more this time round.”
Riders from as far away as the USA and Norway are expected to compete through the Tweed Valley routes.
And last year’s race winner, British marathon champion Nick Craig, is expected to defend his crown.
Peter added: “The race is essentially a non-competitive event which gives it a good relaxed atmosphere, although there are a few of the top riders who will be wanting to finish first.
“It is quite a spectacle when you have all these riders tearing through the forest tracks – I hope the event is well supported by local fans.”
Riders will have the choice of four courses – 25k, 50k, 75k and the grueling 100k marathon.
The longest, and most popular, route takes in trails through Yair, Elibank and Traquair, before reaching the Southern Upland Way.
And the final stretches take the mountain-bikers downhill from the Three Brethern back to the start at Selkirk Rugby Club.
Michael Wilkens, who runs Merida races all over the world, told us: “Everyone just loves coming up to the Scottish Borders. We have riders who compete at races in every corner of the globe, and they still say the Borders is the best.
“The routes are fantastic – a mix of specially made sections and rough forest tracks – and everyone looks forward to racing on them.
“There is also the attitude of people in Selkirk and the nearby towns like Innerleithen and Peebles who are very welcoming. The riders feel really welcome wherever they go, and that’s important.
“It’s a weekend we all look forward to, and hopefully will continue for many years to come.”
Saturday guided rides are being introduced this year on various Tweed Valley tracks for Sunday’s racers to have a warm-up on parts of the course.
Race registration takes place throughout Saturday and between 7am and 9am on Sunday morning at the tented village in Selkirk.
The Merida Marathon start at 10am.
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