National Downhill Mountain Bike 2015 Series Schedule Confirmed

Following what was the closest-run series between riders to date in 2014, with the titles eventually claimed by the new World Champion and World Cup winner Manon Carpenter (Madison Saracen) and Marc Beaumont (GT Factory Racing) at the final stage, British Cycling's National Downhill Mountain Bike Series, 'The BDS', returns for 2015 with six exciting and challenging venues to test Britain's and the rest of the world's fastest racers.

The world's leading national downhill mountain bike series attracts over 320 of the world's fastest racers to Great Britain at each round, with an ever increasing swell of spectators numbering into their thousands. The series is affiliated to both the UCI and British Cycling, offering a wealth of UCI points, over £10,000 in prize money and over £25,000 worth of prizes.

More than 100 Pro-Elite riders competed for the titles throughout the 2014 BDS, with another stacked field of international racers and teams expected to tackle some of the most challenging, technical and fast tracks the UK has to offer in 2015, venues and dates for which are as follows:

• Round 1 - April 4/5th, (Easter) at Ae Forest, Dumfries, Scotland
• Round 2 - May 16/17th, at Nevis Range, Fort William, Scotland. UCi Category 1 Event
• Round 3 - May 30/31st, Llangollen, Clywd, Wales. UCi Category 2 Event
• Round 4 - June 27/28th Rhyd Y Felin (Bala) Llangynog, Powys, Wales
• Round 5 - July 11/12th, Moelfre, Oswestry, Wales
• Round 6 - September 19/20th, Antur Stiniog, Gwynedd, Wales

Event Director, Simon Paton, commented "2014 saw arguably the most enthralling BDS so far, with the Men's Elite title contested right down to the final stage. With new Elite riders coming through, we expect 2015 to once again go the distance, and with the likes of Rachel Atherton returning to form following a virus for much of last year, the 2014 Women's Champion Manon Carpenter can expect an even tougher test to retain her crown"

Whilst the BDS draws most of the world's Elite riders to compete for the crowns, categories are also available for non-sponsored riders. Entry details for both, as well as details for spectators, can be found by visiting www.britishdownhillseries.co.uk