With just over a week to go until 24 & 12 Hours of Exposure, the European and UK Solo Championships, it’s almost time for riders to put those months of hard winter miles to the test.

In only its second year, the field has swollen to more than 220 riders ready to take to the start line in Newcastleton on the Scottish Borders.

Last year’s 24-hour solo champions Matt Page (Wiggle) – who shares his top 24-hour tips here – Rickie Cotter, Keith Forsyth (I-Cycles) and Sally Daw are all back to try and retain their UK titles and attempt to add the new European solo champion jersey to their wardrobe.

But once again they’ll have a fight on their hands with many of the UK’s most well known endurance riders, including Rob Dean – who last week told Bikemagic how to prepare for a 24-hour race – Josh Ibbett, Rich Rothwell, Ant White and Rob Lee determined to snatch the title from under them.

The women’s category is also hotting up with experienced 24 hour racer, Kate Potter (Cotic AQR), making a welcome return to endurance racing after a stint on the World Cup XC circuit.

The addition of the European title has attracted a host of riders from the Continent, who will arrive in the UK determined to upset the home favourites.

The 12-hour championship, added for the first time this year, sees James Lister back racing his favoured duration, but competition comes from a scattering of elite cross-country riders who are making the time-leap for the first time, and could walk away with an armful of Vitesse jerseys if they take the overall titles and the Morvelo rookie jersey.

Returning to Rock UK in Newcastleton, a huge amount of trail work has been done throughout the winter by their staff and volunteers, with the support of 7Stanes and Forestry Commission Scotland supplying materials and expertise to improve the testing 11-mile course.

The arena has also moved down into the activity centre, making a rather unique set of facilities available to riders and helpers including the all new Ergon Green Room – a dedicated cabin full of home comforts for competitors to take a time out, while seeking inspiration from watching movies, such as Ride the Divide, on the big screen.

So, the Ceilidh band and Bag Piper are booked, the Exposure Lights are on charge, rider registration bags being stuffed and the number of training days left can be counted on one hand. Final, crucial, rider preparations and plans are being made to try and eek out every ounce of strength they have to push themselves further than ever before – bet they’re wishing they’d braved the icy wind and rain a few more times earlier this year, too.

Fancy giving it a go? Got some good miles in just lately and reckon you can go the distance? Entry is still open at xcracer.com and will close at midnight on Wednesday May 4.

More event info, rider tips, training tips and special offers from sponsors, such as Juice Lubes, are available at www.24hoursolo.co.uk