The trail pixies have been hard at work at Innerleithen, with the development of a new downhill course being revealed this week ahead of the opening round of the iXS European Downhill Cup Series.

MTBcut.tv test pilot Joe Barnes was the first rider to give the new course a once over, and had this to say: “After a sneak preview of the track to be raced on for the iXS at Innerleithen it looks to be a great race.

“A more direct route down than the usual lines and mostly fresh loose turns. My overall impression is something slightly different to normal inners tight tech. This is more open, fast and very rough, down the fall line crossing the natural bumps in the hill side and linked together by existing classic tracks. It might be faster but it’s still as loose and fresh as ever making for some interesting racing.”

Sounds like the course designers hard work has paid off then, and you can find out for yourself on 29/30 May when some of the best downhill racers around will do battle on the new course – many will be using this race as a final shakedown before the UCI World Cup DH at Fort William next month.

But of course, entry is available to all so if you fancy racing alongside the top guys, get yourself pre-entered now – entries close on 21 May so you’ve still got a few days, if you’re quick. Head to www.ixscupinnerleithen.com to get signed up, and there’s also more info on the race on the website.