Time is really flying at the moment and the start of the Gore Bike Wear TransWales 2011 powered Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport is getting closer and closer – in fact it is less than four weeks to go.

Over the last few months entries have been flying in, with 200 from all over the world. And as in the past the organisers have received entries from right the way from weekend warriors to semi-professional racers, making the races appeal unique in attracting such a spread of abilities.

You can still enter

However if you haven’t entered yet and you are keen to get in last minute then worry not you can still do that, there are still places available in both the full TransWales and the Mini TransWales, if you fancy a smaller bite of the stage racing cherry. You can enter here www.mtbtransuk.co.uk/wales/entry.php

Call for more women entrants

The organisers are keen to stress that the event is open and welcome to women mountain bikers. The Buff Open Female pairs category has space for a few more teams and with a price fund of over £10,000 of Gore Bike Wear clothing, Exposure lights and cash prizes, there’s no excuse for not entering. Really there isn’t.

TransWales open to soloists

The 2011 event can be ridden as solo riders or pairs. Once again we have a strong field of supporters backing the event and the various categories available.

Course preview

Rather than go into detail here, you can see a stage-by-stage account of the course at the TransWales website.

At this year’s event there will be six special stages. These will include night riding, a predominantly climbing stage and also a vertically assisted timed run (mainly downhill). Every rider will receive a route book at signing on which will demonstrate the stages and acts as a backup to the completely marked course.

Prologue marathon

The other big news for 2011 is the new Gore Bike Wear Prologue Marathon powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport.

Taking place on 13th August at 11am, riders can enjoy a 40km marathon ride with an optional special stage at the end where riders will get the chance to test their ‘racing skills’. It is open to all TransWales riders (but not compulsory) who want to limber up and get their legs in shape for the big challenge ahead. It is also open to non-TransWales riders who would like a taster of a typical unique day’s riding in the TransWales.

Find out more about the UK’s only week-long stage race here www.mtbtransuk.co.uk