1,100 riders tackled the freshly-designed Ruthin course at the final Merida 100 MTB Marathon of 2005. Apparently the course was entirely respectable and the weather played ball, so a good time was had by all. The organisers would like to thank not only the impressive array of sponsors (Merida Bicycles, High5, USE, Schwalbe, SRAM, RockShox, Pedro’s, Cyclex, EvansCycles.com, Minx, PPG, Wales Tourist Board, Exposure Lights, What Mountain Bike, Bikemagic.com, Sugoi, Sports Tours International, Fizik) but also the Forestry Commission and, of course, to all the riders who’ve taken part this year.

We had a photographer prowling the course at Ruthin – head to the events photo page to see the shots, all fully searchable by rider number.

Looking ahead to 2006, next year’s Marathon series will feature a “Mini Marathon” alongside the main event, offering a 25-30km course for those wanting to get a taste of the enduro experience but don’t feel up to the big distances. There are also provisional (as in, might end up being completely different) dates for 2006:

• Builth Wells – Spring Marathon / Exposure Light Big Night Out (Night Marathon): 8-9 April 2006
• Rhayader: 27-28 May 2006
• Builth Wells – Summer Marathon: 1-2 July 2006
• Bad Goisern (Autria) – Merida 100 on Holiday: 8 July 2006
• Selkirk: 29-30 July 2006
• Ruthin: 16-17 September 2006

The same organising team will also be running the TransWales seven-day stage race, of which more shortly…

There’ll be some off-season updates on www.mtb-marathon.co.uk over the winter, but if you want to be first with the entry forms when they come out send an SAE to Merida 100 MTB Marathon Enduro Series, Attn: John Lloyd, Builth Wells Cycles, Western House, 16 West Street, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3AH and keep an eye on the letterbox.