THE Tweed Valley is gearing up to host two major cycling events over the same weekend next summer, bringing a huge boost to the area's economy.

Hillside Outside Ltd, the organisers of the Tour of the Borders and the Tweed Valley Trail Run, have announced that the Whyte Bikes British Enduro mountain bike championships will be held in Tweeddale from June 9-10 in 2018.

The cycling race will coincide with the annual TweedLove bike festival, which is already set to bring hundreds of riders to Tweeddale.

Event director Neil Dalgleish said: “We’re delighted to attract such a big race to the Tweed Valley – we’ll be pulling out all the stops to make sure it reflects its position as the most significant Championship in British mountain bike racing.

“Enduro is the most popular discipline in mountain biking now, so this is where the action is.”

Event organisers are working with forestry officials and landowners on a course which aims to showcase the best riding in the valley.

Neil added: “We have some of the best trails in the UK here in the Tweed Valley, and a community which will welcome the riders warmly, so it should be a fantastic event.

“Around 600 folk will descend on Tweeddale, which includes riders/athletes, plus bike brands, team support, expo staff and spectators, so I'd expect 3,000 additional visitors to the area for the two events over the course of the weekend.”

Previously, the TweedLove and the Enduro World Series were held at the same time in 2014 and 2015.

Tweed Valley Enduro races are among the most popular in the country, with TweedLove’s Triple Crown series named as the best attended Enduro series in the UK for the last two years.

A full-scale expo and event village with a packed weekend of entertainment and other bike events is also planned.

Councillor Shona Haslam (Cons) and leader of SBC told the Peeblesshire News: "I am so pleased that another great cycling event is coming the Tweed Valley.

"Our reputation for hosting and organising these amazing events is growing and we are now well respected in the international sporting community.

"One key aspect of the draw for these events is our bike mad kids. Whenever I speak to those in the bike industry one thing they always comment on is how many young people are involved in our bike clubs.

"That is one of the main reasons that they come to our bike valley and it is what creates such a great atmosphere at these events.

"I am looking forward to another great year for cycling with TweedLove, Scottish XC, Tour of the Borders and the Enduro, whether your tyres are fat or thin come to the bike valley for some amazing events."

Councillor Stuart Bell (SNP) said: “I congratulate Neil Dalgleish and all the TweedLove team for the work they do through events and activities to boost the attraction of visitors and sports enthusiasts to the Tweed Valley.

"Events drive bike tourism which has become a bedrock of the visitor economy in the Tweed Valley

"Enduro is the fast growing segment of the mountain biking spectrum and the Tweed Valley has just a great topography for great exiting Enduro events. The whole economy benefits from these events.”

Entry details for the British Enduro Championships will be announced shortly.