The 2007 National XC/4X Championships are set to be much more than a bike race. For years, British Cycling and various organisers have been trying to broaden the appeal of the Championships, and this year it looks rather as if they might actually succeed.

Mark 25-27 August (that’s the Bank Holiday weekend) in your diary, then, for the Belmont Estate Mountain Bike Festival (incorporating British Cycling 2007 National Championships). The Belmont Estate is located in North Somerset, south of Bristol, and comprises 130 acres of private, broad-leaf woodland. Perhaps more importantly, though, there are five miles of purpose-built trails which will form what is described as a “brand new world class cross-country mountain bike course.” Oli Beckingsale (who lives locally) has given it the thumbs up, and he knows a thing or two about world class XC courses.

The National 4X title will also be contended over the weekend, on a course created by legendary builder Phil Saxena. And as if two Championships aren’t enough, there’ll be a host of supporting events too. Saturday will see the Belmont XC Enduro, with the 4X Championship later on and the traditional pasta party to finish off. Sunday is the XC Championship, plus the XC Sprint (a heats-plus-final short course event) and 4X Sports event, with a Festival Party in the evening. And for anyone with any legs left on Monday, there’s a singlespeed XC race, a round of the NPS 4X series and an XC relay.

The racing is all well and good, and it is of course what a National Championships weekend should be all about. But with CLIC24 supremo Neil Wilkins behind the event, you can almost guarantee something of a party feel. The Belmont Festival promises “a unique family festival atmosphere”, with big screens, live music, parties, chill-out zones, family attractions and rides, climbing wall, children’s play zone and more.

Neil says, “Riders can bring family and friends, and camp for the weekend in beautiful rolling parkland. Well stocked with quality food, drink, showers and a complimentary therapies and massage marquee, even non-riders will love the Belmont Estate Mountain Bike Festival.”

Find out more (and download entry forms) at www.belmontestate.co.uk. We’re going to go and check out the course soon – we’ll keep you posted…