It might seem, what with all this horrible weather in the last couple of days, that the events season is over. But think again, as the last 24-hour race of the year looms into view this weekend.
So if you fancy one last big event of the season, why not head to Scotland. There are still places in the event boldy billed, and who are we to argue, “ultimate 24-hour mountain biking endurance.” Any event that takes place in Scotland at this time of year is going to be anything but a walk in the park…
Relentless 24 kicks off at midday on Saturday 10 October 2008 at Nevis Range, near Fort William. Relentless 24 is a XC mountain bike marathon to test all types of riders keen to tackle the breathtaking trails of Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest in the shadow of Ben Nevis.
Frazer Coupland of event organisers No Fuss Events says: ‘With the huge diversity of routes available to us we have conjured up another cracker this year. It includes sections of the World Cup Witch’s Trail and even some sections from the first Relentless back in 2006! The technical climbs are hard but fair and there are brilliant singletrack descents as a reward. I am so chuffed with this year’s course I have entered a team myself. Why should I miss out on all the fun?
“No Fuss is all about getting out there and taking part and Relentless 24 is a perfect example of that. As a solo or a team of two, three or four everyone can have a go and try mountain biking through the night in the forests of Leanachan. Don’t worry if you haven’t registered yet we will accept entries right up to the morning of the event! Plenty of time for some last minute fitness training.”
Beginning from the event hub at Nevis Range, with a Le Mans style racing start, as many as 300 riders from across the UK and beyond will battle it out on world-class trails, from lunchtime on Saturday 10 October 2009 and deep into the night, with the event concluding at 12 noon on Sunday 11. From ‘weekend warriors’ and ‘have-a-go-heroes’ to recreational riders and cross-country whippets, Relentless 24 will test physical fitness, stamina and mental toughness on a technical, but achievable route.
Riders can enter as a solo competitor or in pairs, trios, or groups of four. For solo riders, the challenge ahead is to conserve as much energy as possible whilst still churning out the laps, and for those competing as part of a team race strategies come into play ensuring that as many laps as possible are completed before night falls.
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