Race Face’s Ultimate Freeride Challenge, the fourth running of which recently concluded with the presentation of a $25,000 sponsorship contract to 16-year-old Kurt Sorge, has been, we’re told, wildly successful. Now, perhaps in a bid to remind the world that Race Face doesn’t just make freeride kit, a similar format is being used for the Ultimate XC Challenge.

You may be thinking that XC riding doesn’t quite lend itself to showing off on video in the same way as aspirant pro freeriders can. And, well, you’d be right. What Race Face is looking for is a 90 second video that explains why you and a partner should be the ones that get chosen to compete in the epic 2005 TransRockies stage race, all expenses paid. Flights, accommodation, entry fees, Race Face clothing and components and full team support for the race, all of which adds up to something like $10,000-worth. There are places for two teams of two up for grabs.

Needless to say, you’re going to have to have a really good story to tell. Race Face isn’t looking for pro riders – “…the UXC calls for riders who have chain grease and fork oil in their blood, the unsung heroes of the singletrack, the guys without contracts who grind it out at their day jobs to ride on the weekends for pure love of the sport to represent Race Face in the 2005 TransRockies,” it says. If that sounds like you, you’ve got until 15 June 2005 to get your entry in. Race Face will post the shortlisted entries online on 24 June, and then it’s down to the public vote. The winners will be announced on 8 July, with the race itself taking place on 7-13 August.

Find out more at www.raceface.com/uxc. And if any Bikemagic members go for it, be sure to let us know…