Pics: Jon Brooke

The first round of the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon series gets going this weekend with a visit to Builth Wells, Wales. The Exposure Lights Big Night Out enduro starts proceedings on Saturday evening, followed on Sunday by the Spring Marathon, where a choice of distances are available.

Entry on the line is available, with registration open from 12pm Saturday and again on Sunday morning between 7am and 9am. The Spring Marathon starts at 10.30am. There is a £5 surcharge for entries on the day, but enter both events and you’ll receive a tasty £15 discount.

The event, which includes a trade village and camping area, will be based at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, which will be signposted from Friday afternoon onwards.

The Exposure Lights Big Night Out is now in its fifth year, and the sponsors will have their full range of lights on show. They’ll also be providing a charging station in case anyone needs to top their light batteries up. All finishers will receive a limited edition High Viz Exposure Big Night Out BUFF for completing the ride plus the traditional coffee, tea and cake when crossing the finish line.

Exposure’s Rory Hitchens will be starting the ELBNO with his usual enthusiasm and another fantastic prize draw on the start line. He’ll be giving away two custom engraved MaXx-D lights worth £325 each. To enter for the prize draw all you have to do is take part in the ELBNO and be on the start line in time for the draw.

Gore Bike Wear, official clothing sponsor, will be giving you the chance to test out some of their clobber for free. Gore Bike Wear and its retail partner Wheelbase will lend you a jacket, shirt, vest or gilet to test and give the once over during your ride.

Find out more about both events at www.mtb-marathon.co.uk