Ae trails ready to race

The UK's best downhill riders are set to descend on Ae forest, near Dumfries, in April to take part in the National Points series downhill race. The news coincides with the completion of work on the red graded, 24km Ae Line Scottish Power Renewables trail, which has undergone some major upgrades. A new freeride trail - the Shredder - is also ready to be ridden. Top riders - including Steve Peat and the Athertons - have raced at Ae over the years and this year sees local interest in the form of the Ae Bike Shop sponsored Team. Ryan Chambers is one of three local riders the bike shop has sponsored this year and he started in impressive form by coming 7th in only his second ever seniors race in last month. He joins the NPS race on 25 and 26 April and all the team at Ae Bike Shop & Cafe will be hoping he can pull off a big result on his local course. Rob Gray, who owns the shop & cafe at Ae said: "We are delighted to let everyone know that the green light is back on for riding all the routes here at Ae. We're delighted that Steve Parr of Descent Gear has brought the event back to Ae Forest and it's fitting that it comes at the same time as all the trails are re-opened. We're also got an even bigger eye on the event now we have our own team and we're confident that Ryan and the other lads will do well as the season progresses". Colin Williamson, 7stanes manager, added: "It's great to see the Ae Line trail complete again. Our trailbuilders have been working flat out to get the many trail sections finished off. It has taken a bit longer than expected so we'd like to thank all the riders for their patience. We had to deal with some atrocious weather at times and harvesting operations were also in full swing, but we've now got there and the trails are better than ever." There is a plan to hold a party on Saturday 25 April at Ae Cafe and anyone watching the NPS event may catch a glimpse of some top stars of the mountain bike world as well as some of the up and coming future podium riders.