This weekend (3/4 July) sees the second round of the Merida 100 MTB Marathon series at Builth Wells, and the organisers have a few last-minute details to impart. First and most importantly, entries. Over 950 riders have pre-entered, and if you’re quick you can still get a postal entry in. Otherwise you’ll need to get to Builth on Saturday to be sure of an entry on the day. Or, more accurately, the day before.

Registration opens at 12 noon on Saturday and will remain open until 8pm, so you’ve got plenty of time (it’s open on Sunday too, 7-9am). Head for White House Farm in Builth Wells. Also on Saturday the Merida test fleet will be available for rides – you’ll need to bring a credit card and your own pedals. While you’re out, let the Merida mechanics give your own bike a bit of TLC for the big ride on Sunday. With you bike ready you just need to fuel yourself up at the pasta party (from 6pm) and you’re good to go.

The start is at 10am on Sunday. The course is apparently in good shape with some new singletrack sections thrown in. The weather’s meant to be respectable but if it all goes a bit damp there are wet weather contigencies to avoid certain bits of the route. Afterwards the Pedro’s team will be on hand to clean and relube your bike.

Entry forms for Builth and the other Merida 100 events (Selkirk, Cotland 31 July-1 August; Ruthin, Wales 18/19 September) are available from the MTB-Marathon website or by sending an SAE to Merida 100, FAO John Lloyd, Builth Wells Cycles, Smithfield Road, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3AN. Last-minute queries for Builth Wells can be sent to [email protected] or call John Lloyd on 01982 552923.

And don’t forget that the Bikemagic photographer will be there doing his level best to get a shot of everyone who takes part, so start practising your pose…