THE Scottish Enduro Series returns to Innerleithen for its annual round this weekend.

Founded in Innerleithen in 2013, the Series has gone from strength to strength gaining a reputation for using the very best Scotland has to offer when selecting its venues.

While the trails are an obvious criteria, the supporting infrastructure and local business and biking community are just as important.

Frazer Coupland, partner in organisers No Fuss Events, told us: “The team continues to work with local destination organisations and groups to ensure that the visiting participants get the best possible and informed experience of each of the areas that we visit, whilst also ensuring that local businesses are afforded the opportunity to maximise the economic impact from the visit of the series.

“The series continues to work well with Forestry and Land Scotland, along with other land owners and managers to ensure participants get the greatest riding experiences across Scotland and ensuring Scotland maintains its position as a global leading mountain bike destination.”

It is fitting that the Enduro World Series (EWS) first race took place in the same year as the Scottish Enduro Series was founded.

The EWS is the very pinnacle of mountain bike enduro across the World today and with the recent affiliation to the UCI – cycling’s global governing body – the EWS can take the next step to recognised World Championships.

As well as running the main series each year, EWS introduced the Continental Series in 2018, including the European Enduro Series.

Following the success of hosting a round at Nevis Range, near Fort William last year, the Scottish Enduro Series is delighted to bring the highest level of racing to Innerleithen as the race doubles as round two of the European Enduro Series.

Chris Ball, managing director of the Enduro World Series, said: “The Scottish Enduro Series guarantees a balanced mixture of technical, physical and enjoyable stages and with the focus on fun and the enjoyment of riding bikes with like-minded people whilst presenting professionally run, competitive and safe races.

"We are excited to be working with the Scottish Enduro Series again and are delighted they’ll be hosting a round of the European Series this summer in Innerleithen.”

Work in preparation for the round has been ongoing behind the scenes for several months.

Scottish Enduro Series founder Duncan Nisbet explained: “Planning for an event on this scale starts around a year prior to the event itself. We work very closely with the local team at Forestry and Land Scotland in terms of access to the forests and the extensive trail system.

"We also work closely with Scottish Borders Council in order to secure use of Victoria Park and planning for all aspects of a town centre based event.

"Importantly, we also work closely with the local community to understand and address any concerns they may have as well as exploring all opportunities.”

The event takes place this weekend and is based in Victoria Park, Innerleithen.

With practice on Saturday and racing on Sunday, the town will be buzzing with some of Europe’s finest mountain bikers.

Racing takes place within both Caberston and Traquair forests.

Residents and visitors should note that there will be restricting parking on Leithen and Traquair roads between 9am on Saturday and 5pm on Sunday.