Cross-country racing returns to Cannock Chase this weekend for the Run & Ride Cannock Chase Summer Classic on Sunday July 8.

Run & Ride supported Midlands XC for the Cannock round of thei 2012 series and, with the lack of races in the area, have decided to put on another race at the popular trail centre.

“We’re really passionate about mountain biking, especially on Cannock Chase, and we thought it was a shame that such an area doesn’t have more events on,” they told us.

Expect a similar course to the one used back in March for the Midlands XC event. “Plenty of nice techy, but fast flowing single track. Some lung busting climbs mixed up with a few fire road sections,” according to the organisers.

“The race course area is right on our doorstep so we know the trails like the back of our hand. We’ve tried to include the best the area has to offer whilst ensuring the course has a good flow to it.

“With the backing of the Forestry Commission we’ve even been out and cut new trails specifically for the event. This event is run under British Cycling Go Race guidelines and we want to encourage newcomers, so while the course has sections to keep the hardened racer happy, it’s also suitable for all skill levels.”

One area where the race does differ is the categories. The emphasis has been placed on close racing regardless of age rather than on the standard elite, expert, vets fields.

“We wanted to try something a bit different. First of all we liked the idea  that most people in the category would be of similar ability so we’d get more competitive closer racing. Next we wanted to try and get rid of the problem of categories getting mixed together and problems passing or being past. It may or may not work but we think it’s definitely worth a try.”

The event is being supported by Juice Lubes, Accelerade and Mt Zoom, who will all be supplying prizes for the podium finishers along with cash prizes for the elite/racing snake category. Food and “real” coffee will be available on the day plus, for a small charge, a pre/post-ride massage therapy service from Vivify.

Online entry is available via www.gorunandride.co.uk and will remain open until July 5 (Thursday). Entries will be taken on the day with a small surcharge. Camping is available over the weekend for a small charge, plus there will be a 50p parking charge on the day, both of which will be donated directly to Run & Ride’s chosen local charity, The Hibbs Lupus Trust.