There are still a few entries available for this weekend’s Merrell MudMan MTB Duathlon, with the added attraction of Bikemagic editor Mike probably hobbling round at the sort of pace more usually associated with a sea cucumber. Up at the front there’ll be proper fast people – pro XTerra racer Jim McConnel reckons that, “races like these are perfect sharpeners for the season ahead.”

The MudMan format includes a 7.5km run, a 15km MTB leg and another 7.5km run to finish. Organisers Human Race have designed an apparently ridiculously hilly course around an army training ground near Guildford, Surrey – “tough, stony and extremely challenging,” it says here.

All athletes will get a Merrell goodie bag and technical shirt, while the title sponsors are also providing prizes for the overall and age category winners. You can enter online at www.humanrace.co.uk.