The vital importance of personal hygiene at 24 hour races has been confirmed with the announcement that Original Source, makers of shower gels and other cleaning products, has signed up as headline sponsor for the 12th running of the legendary Mountain Mayhem.

Once again returning to Eastnor Castle in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Mountain Mayhem will open its gates on 19-21 June to over 2,500 riders, with a crowd of 15,000 expected.

The weekend’s action will begin with the now annual Dirt Demo, the largest mountain bike demo in the country, giving everyone the chance to test ride the latest equipment from the top brands.

Regular Mayhem attendees will know that the last couple of years have been characterised by really quite unpleasant weather and substantial acreages (not to mention depths) of mud. Clearly Original Source is confident of the cleaning abilities of its products. And if it turns out to be hot and dry, well, dust needs washing off too (unless you plan to take it home as a memento).

Philippa Heywood, Senior Brand Manager at Original Source, says: “Original Source Mountain Mayhem is one of the muddiest and most intense events in the UK and it’s the perfect event for Original Source washing products to be involved with – we can provide some light relief to our saddle-weary warriors!”

Organiser Patrick Adams of Pacific Edge Events says: “Since its beginning back in 1998, the event has grown and developed over the years to become the biggest 24 hour mountain bike endurance event worldwide. This year expect surprises, excitement and one of the best Mountain Mayhems to date.”

As is traditional, entry forms will be available from midnight 28 February and can be downloaded from www.osmountainmayhem.co.uk.