Here’s an event to put in your diary next year. Held for the first time earlier this year, the BC Bike Race is a seven day stage race which races from Victoria to Whistler, BC, Canada, making full use of the available trails for over 400km and 9000m of racing.

BC Bike Race organizers are not looking to create the toughest mountain bike stage race in the world; instead, they’re creating a lasting experience for competitors. Plans in place aim to make the event an even more spectacular week for the competitors.

BCBR Management President Dean Payne says: “…we have access to an extensive array of some of the best singletrack mountain bike trails in the world. And our plan for 2008 is to bring the singletrack ratio up, way up, because we can. Finishing each stage with a descent on amazing singletrack is the goal.”

“BC Bike Race was amazing,” said Chris Eatough, the six-time 24-hour solo world champion, who rode the event with partner Jeff Schalk. “It was the best mtb race in the world. No doubt. Looking forward to BC Bike Race in 2008!”

Last year’s event attracted 200 riders. The cut-off for next year is 400 riders, and organisers fully expect the event to fill up quickly, so head over to www.bcbikerace.com when registration opens on 18 September and book your place.