Peeblesshire News | Sport | Gearing up for cycling event

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 4th August, 2006 12:30

Gearing up for cycling event

By David Knox

MORE than 1200 bikers brought the hills of the Tweed Valley alive at the weekend.

And the organizers of the Merida Marathon were so impressed with the area’s trails and facilities they are coming back in Spring.

Plans are underway to stage a seven-day Trans Scotland race in May.

And the organizers want it to start and finish in the Borders.

Michael Wilkens, from Merida Marathons, told the Border Telegraph: “It is very much at the early stages but I am confident a Trans Scotland race will go ahead, and it will be held on trails throughout the South of Scotland.

“Everybody is always made to feel really welcome when we come to the Tweed Valley for the Merida Marathon so this would be the perfect place to start and finish the race. Our plan would be to use all of the 7-Stanes courses during the race.

“We will also be coming back next summer for the Merida Marathon – why change something that works so well. The Tweed Valley trails are amongst the best in the world.”

Similar Trans races have been held in the Alps and the Canadian Rockies, and Wales will host a similar event in the next few weeks.

The 7-Stanes routes are made up of five courses in Dumfries and Galloway, and Newcastleon and the Tweed Valley trails in the Borders.

Local course builder Peter Laing has been given the task of designing a week-long route to take in each course. He told us: “It is quite a challenge to design a route, but I’m confident it will be as popular as the marathon race. The riders will need between 60 km and 120 km each day.

“The promoters want it to start and finish here which will be another boost for the local economy.”

Sunday’s marathon attracted a record entry.

And nearly all of the riders gave the thumbs up to the new extended routes through Yair, Elibank and Traquair forests.

The course designer added: “The weather certainly played its part as the course was riding exceptionally well.

“Everybody said it was tough, but also enjoyable. There were also a lot of comments about how welcoming the area is and how friendly everyone has been. The riders enjoy coming here.”

The four races – 25km, 50km, 75km and 100km – all started and finished at Selkirk Rugby Club.

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