The 2011 Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series may have only recently drawn to a close, but it’s already time to starting thinking about next year’s events.

All dates will again run as double events in 2012, typically with a night marathon or a road sportive on the Saturday followed by the MTB marathon on Sunday. The road sportives will have two distances to choose from and the MTB Marathon four.

The series kicks off in Builth Wells, Wales, on April 7-8, with Selkirk, Marshbrook and Ruthin holding events in May, July and September respectively. There will also be a fifth round in Abergavenny in August, with the venue to be confirmed.

Each Saturday evening will see a live band, bar on site and a BBQ for the riders and spectators. Entry will open by the end of the year. See www.mtb-marathon.co.uk for more details.

Dates for your diary

Builth Wells (Central Wales)
April 7-8
Saturday: Night Marathon
Sunday: MTB Marathon

Selkirk (Scottish Borders)
May 19-20
Saturday: Road Sportive
Sunday: MTB Marathon

Marshbrook (Shropshire)
July 14-15
Saturday: Road Sportive
Sunday: MTB Marathon

Ruthin (North Wales)
September 15-16
Saturday: Night Marathon or Road Sportive (TBC)
Sunday: MTB Marathon