The first of five rounds of the British XC series takes place on 5 April at Sherwood Pines and will see some of the country’s most talented riders taking to the course for what promises to be an action packed series.

Riders confirmed thus far including Oli Beckingsale,, Jenny Copnall, Robin Seymour, Kate Potter, David Fletcher, Jenn O’Connor, Ian Bibby, Rosara Joseph, Gareth Montgomerie and Sharon Laws – currently leading the women’s class of the Absa Cape Epic in South Africa.

Organisers are expecting close to 550 riders across the wide range of categories, with racing available for 12-70 year olds and all abilities. If you don’t have a British Cycling race licence don’t worry because you can still compete in the open class.

This year the series has stepped up a few notches and will be offering UCI points for the elite riders at all rounds, £10k of prize money, shorter courses and a great range of venues with a host of other things to do on site for the family and supporters.

At Sherwood Pines there will be on-site camping, a children’s adventure playground, catering, Go-Ape course, Swinnerton’s bike shop, mechanic support from elite tech and our new bike wash service the Hope Sh1t Shifter Man. Exhibitors confirmed include Torq, Halfords Bikehut, Weldtite, Orbea, Shred, A Quick Release Holidays, AKO Ducati Corse and Felt.

In addition to the XC on Sunday there will be a free under 12s race, Saturday will feature official course practice and a chance to have a blast round the course at night with the XCracer.com Night Time Trial with Exposure Lights and cash prizes on offer.

Pre-entries close on Wednesday 1 Apriland if entries are available on the day news will be posted on www.britishxc.com from Thursday 2 April.

Venues and dates

• April 5 – Sherwood Pines, Mansfield. UCI Class 2
• May 10 Dalby Forest, Pickering. UCI Class 2
• May 30 Margam Park, Port Talbot. UCI Class 2 (part of ‘BIG’ weekend with Trek British Marathon Championships)
• June 27 Crow Hill, New Forest. UCI Class 2. (English Marathon Champs on Sunday)
• Sep 26 Newnham Park, Plymouth. UCI Class 1 (Newnham 90 Enduro on Sunday)