Caution: Banners on course

Auditions for the MTB version of The Apprentice are well underway. “You’re tired!”

Pics: Joolze Dymond

Preparations for the inaugural Montane Kielder 100 are drawing to a conclusion, with Britain’s first 100 mile endurance race now just three weeks away (Saturday 5 September).

The organisers have got an impressive raft of sponsors on board, with prizes from Montane, Accelerade, USE, Exposure Lights, Singular Cycles, Buff, Saddle Skedaddle and Joolze Dymond Photography. They’ve also posted stacks of vital information on the event website (www.kielder100.co.uk) including required kit list, cut-off times and so on.

As befits a unique event such as this, there’ll be a couple of quirks on the course. For a start, it runs across two countries – riders’ registration packs will contain a 7Stanes-sponsored “Newcastleton Race Passport” that’ll be required to gain admittance to Scotchland during the epic single lap. Apparently you’ll need to pay the piper and the Bloody Bush Toll Stone too. Not entirely sure exactly what that’s all about, but all proceeds go to Mountain Rescue so clearly it’s a good thing.

On the subject of the course, the route has now been finalised and detailed maps are on display at Kielder’s Purple Mountain Bike Shop and in Newcastleton village centre, should you fancy a pre-ride recce. Purple Mountain will be open until 9pm on the day before the race for those last-minute spares.

Nutrition sponsor Accelerade will be supplying all the feed stations with energy drinks and gels, while at the other end of the drink spectrum there’ll be post-race beer from Geltsdale Brewery. SDC Sports Massage will also be on hand to loosen up centuried-out limbs.

Closing date for enties is 6pm on Friday 28 August, assuming that there are any left by then – if you want to take part (and you know, deep down, that you do) then get in quick. There’s always the chance of winning an entry – holiday company Saddle Skedaddle is running a prize draw that you can enter at www.skedaddle.co.uk.

Finally, the organisers are looking for volunteers to help with marshalling, feed stations, checkpoints and the like. There’s also the opportunity to ride as a Tail End Charlie – sweeping a 20-30 mile section of the course behind the last rider to make sure it’s all clear.

Full details of everything (or at least everything pertaining to the Kielder 100) at www.kielder100.co.uk.