It’s only four weeks until the first of the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series 2012 powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport events gets underway on 7-8 April, taking place as it does at the events spiritual home, Builth Wells, Wales.

Traditionally (or at least for the last eight years) the Exposure Lights Big Night Out night marathon will kick off the series in style on the 7th April at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells. At 44km in distance with 1,350m of climbing it’ll be a tough warmup to the weekend of mountain biking, followed as it is but the 28m 55 or 70km marathon on Sunday.

For 2012 John Lloyd has chosen a route to surpass all routes. With his knowledge and experience he has chosen three courses designed to suit all abilities. Taking you up through Fforest Fields, Little Hill, Red Hill and Glascwm Hill, before returning via Llanbedr and Aberedw Hill. This route will show you the best of the singletrack to be ridden in the area. Technical climbs and long sweeping descents will leave you tired but exhilarated, with over half the route being on single and dual tracks into the wilds of unspoilt Radnorshire, with its stunning views, this is a ride not to be missed.

Riders who are going for the weekend double don’t need to worry about doing the same course twice as John Lloyd has thrown in lots of extra and different stuff in for Sunday. They will also get rewarded with a £15 discount on the overall price.

The event is based at the Royal Welsh Showground which has lots of hard standing, perfect access roads and facilities and is only a very short walk from the centre of Builth Wells.

Course details and online entry at www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php

Will you be there?