Winter Racing at Innerleithen

Winter racing and Innerleithen have always been synonymous with one another. For years there have been events run, regardless of the weather, that push abilities, bikes and tenacity. And over the years they have also played a pivotal role in kick starting many a love affair with downhill, for riders all over the country.

For the first time, 2011 sees two race series in action so read on for what separates them and all the information you need to get entered.

First of all is the now traditional Alpine Bikes' sponsored series, brought to you by Mike Marsden over at Borderline Events and featuring further support from Saracen. For the first time this series will also see two race runs at every round, a result of which is a slight cap on entry numbers to ensure that there is sufficient light available. A full day of practice on Saturday, followed by more on Sunday morning should ensure that all riders have more than ample opportunity to get sufficient time on course before the first of their race runs.


After the lessons learned last year, notably that challenging weather conditions and the steepest tracks do not mix, the trails raced this year will have due consideration given to the potential of extreme ice. That means that the more mellow trails are likely to see use, combined with wide taping to give line choice and help reduce the risk of any one section becoming glazed to the extent that 2010 saw. Dates for the Alpine series are the 5th/6th February, 5th/6th March and 2nd/3rd April with entries capped at 220, 260 & 320 riders respectively. Head on over to Borderline-Events to get entered for £55 per round with no license is required.


The second set of races on offer is the Innerleithen Mountain Bike Series, brought to you by the Innerleithen MTB Club. The name may not be familiar to everyone but rest assured there is more than ample experience within the team, from XC races, previous Innerleithen winter races and of course the 2010 round of the iXS European Cup held at the same venue. The press release says: “Inspired by the need to run challenging events for all mountain bikers on proper courses and features 3 events run at the start of 2011 to test your bike handling skills and fitness through the depths of Winter, the essence of being a Scottish mountain biker. Get wet and wild with us on Scotland’s premier mountain bike trails.” Entries are £30 for the first two events with the final Time Trial being £20. Entries after 5pm on the Thursday before the event will an extra £5 charge.


The first of these events to fall into place on the calendar is the Enduro event, featuring three timed stages on trails which make the most of the full height of the hill. Using trails featuring a broad spectrum of terrain, the event is aimed to enable the technically skilled riders to excel while at the same time the few short sections where you need to get on the pedals will help the more gifted all rounders really shine. Four hours to complete the course, will it be a downhiller or cross country rider who’ll take the win? Taking place on Sunday 30th January, click here to get entered.



The second ‘Mini DH’ event is aimed to show downhilling “as it used to be; a fun, chilled atmosphere, trying to get one over on your mates in the conditions that only a Scottish winter can deliver.” What that means is a push up to the half way point on the hill (no more than fifteen minutes) yet keeping a descent time of over 1m30s. Do as many runs as you want within the time allowed, the fastest counts. This race will take place on Sunday 13th February so click here to enter.


The third and final ‘Mountain Time Trial’ round takes place on the 13th March and is a 25km time trial of the hill with riders set off to complete the challenging course at one minute intervals. When this race first started it was considered by many to be too challenging and technical; now riders relish it and look forward to the annual event which includes the Alastair Lees memorial trophy for the fastest Veteran to complete the course. Click here to enter.


Points will be awarded for each event from 20 for first place to 1 point for 20th. Prizes will be given to podium places at all events and a Best Man and Best Woman prize awarded to the best placed rider across all three events. Additionally, the first three girls to enter will receive free Innerleithen MTB Racing hoodies so head on over to www.innerleithenmtbracing.com for more info.

www.borderline-events.co.uk
www.innerleithenmtbracing.com/