Europe's Elite To Battle It Out On Coed Y Brenin Bike Trails
Some of the finest mountain bikers in Europe will battle it out on the world famous trails at Coed y Brenin forest near Dolgellau in pursuit of cash prizes worth £2,000 and the glory of being crowned British cross-country champion. The 2007 Freerange Sports Optics British Cross Country Series reaches its climax on the weekend of September 22 and 23, when elite British riders including current national champions Oli Beckingsale - who won silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games - and Jenny Copnall will be hoping to beat off the challenge from some of Europe's top riders. Both British stars will head to Coed y Brenin fresh from representing Great Britain at the World Championships in Fort William just two weeks before the race. All the series titles will be decided on the Saturday, from juveniles (aged 12-14) right through to the elite competitors, when about 350 to 400 riders set out to claim their place in mountain biking history against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Coed y Brenin forest, which has already stamped its name on the world mountain biking map. The new-look Coed y Brenin, with its almost 130km of trails from the technically, physically and psychologically demanding The Beast to gentle family trails that meander through the Snowdonia National Park, is firmly established as a mountain biker's Mecca. Hosting the conclusion of such an important event will only bolster Coed y Brenin's position as one of the most prestigious venues in the mountain biking world. The six new exhilarating mountain bike trails which snake away into the surrounding woods from the new £1.6m forest complex are a magnet for tourists and mountain bikers from all over the world, attracting in excess of 80,000 visitors every year and bringing millions of pounds into the local economy. Following the cross country showdown, the experts in arduous, long distance riding will take centre stage on the Sunday, which features Round 5 of the Trek Marathon Series and is also the official National Championships for Mountain Bike Marathon. A total of some 400-450 riders will be taking part along various distances and the full marathon distance of 100k will be contested by about 100 of Britain and Ireland's finest riders, including 2005/06 Champion Nick Craig and current series leader, Ireland's Robin Seymour. The two series come together under the MBR Big Weekend umbrella, with many riders enjoying the Coed y Brenin trails on Saturday before attempting the marathon on Sunday. For more details about the events, or for more information about the mountain bike trails at Coed y Brenin, contact Forestry Commission Wales mountain bike ranger Tony Griffiths on 0845 604 0845, mobile 07884 233714. www.forestry.gov.ukLatest news
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