If you’re looking for a fun series on quality trails and in great surroundings, the Scott Marathon Series could be the one to enter this year. Here’s a little about the series according to the organisers:

Cycle-Tec Events Ltd in Builth Wells is proud to announce the recent acquisition of the MTB Marathon series from MTB legend John Lloyd, In Addition cycle industry innovators Scott Sports have also added to the package by becoming headline sponsors. The MTB Marathon series is widely regarded as being THE original single loop off road mountain bike event in the UK. Conceived 14 years ago it gave riders the opportunity to experience the big mountain wilds with the security of being fully supported, 3 or 4 route options from 25km through to 90km lets riders select a route to suit their stamina. With over 20 years joint experience, Gareth Rowland and Dave Evans are looking forward to giving these famous mountain bike events a fresh perspective with their new ideas and innovative approach.

There are seven events at five different venues, which are as follows:

Saturday 12th April
Welsh XC Series and Exposure Lights Big Night out
(A whole weekend’s festival of MTB’ing) – Builth Wells, Mid Wales

Sunday 13th April 
Builth Wells, Mid Wales

Sunday 25th May 
Rhayader, Mid Wales

Sunday 29th June
Church Stretton, Shropshire

Sunday 3rd August 
Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries Scotland

Saturday 13th September 
Exposure lights big night out Ruthin, North Wales

Sunday 14th September 
Ruthin, North Wales

Each event entry will include free camping from Friday night to Monday morning, showers, toilets, onsite caterers, Saturday evening entertainment, licensed bar, pasta meal and that’s before you start the ride! Routes will be tailored to suit all with options for everyone from the 25km newbie right through to those who dare tackle the MONSTER MARATHON at Drumlanrig Castle: a real return to the old days of John Lloyd’s legendary 100km+ killers. Torq fuelled feed stations will be dotted along the route with mechanics, medics and marshals to keep you on the trail.

For more information head to www.mtb-marathon.co.uk

FREE ENTRY: Scott have a competition running for two free spaces to the first event. Apparently all you have to do is click here and tell them why you think you should get the free entry. Probably worth a shot if you’re thinking of racing!