First England, then Wales and now Scotland – the 2006 National Points XC and Marathon Series is definitely a nationwide spectacle!

This Saturday, Drumlanrig plays host to the third round of the NPS XC on a classic lap that will include some singletrack delights. 7Stanes Lead Coordinator Julie Cartner says:

“[It’s] technical, with lots of natural rooty sections. This is a course where line choice will have a significant effect on lap times and good preparation will pay off. After the first climb, you get to go down one of the best singletrack sections at Drumlanrig. All of the trails are riding really well after so much dry weather.”

Oli Beckingsale will be hoping to take his hat trick of wins and show good form for the National Champs the following weekend, but will victory at Mayhem have taken the wind out of his sails? One rider hoping to capitalise on his home advantage will be newly crowned Scottish champion James Ouchterlony.

And for those who say it is too far for just one race why not make a weekend of it and take in the MBR “Big Weekend” and free pasta party alongside round two of the Trek Marathon series against the best the country has to offer? After a battle with Robin Seymour at round one, Nick Craig will be looking to make the most of his early advantage and distance himself from the crowd with four rapid laps of the 25km course.

Mountain biking is unlikely to get better than this for just a six hour drive from Southampton or only two hours from Manchester – Drumlanrig is not as far as you think!

As usual there will be the delights of the trade arena to keep you busy between races and showers so that you can be cleaned up if the Scottish weather should take hold, as well as some live music for post-race entertainment.

Joolze Dymond will also be there to capture your moments of racing glory in the shadow of the castle grounds. The venue provides plenty of non-bikey entertainment for those interested in something other than two wheels as Joolze explains:

“As usual for races at Drumlanrig, the impressive backdrop of the Castle is a big feature. Newcomers arriving at this venue will definitely enjoy the journey up the tree-lined drive towards the Castle. Drumlanrig has a real country estate feel to it, and at all the races I’ve been to this really enhances the event. For any spectators who’re looking for something different there are lots of craft shops in the stable yard, bike shop and bike museum, and of course the castle and grounds to visit as well. Of all the race venues I’ve been to this is one of the best for added value features (and the new showers installed this spring are really fantastic too!)”

More details and entry forms for the NPS and Trek Marathon at www.xcracer.com.