Keith Bontrager racing at Margam Park recently

The Bontrager Twentyfour12 is just a couple of weeks away (22/23 July – cue mild panic at BM Global HQ, ‘cos we’re that prepared). That means that the official closing date for entries is even more imminent – it’s Friday 14 July which at the time of writing only gives you a couple of days to get yourself sorted.

The organisers report over 900 entries so far, but there are still spaces. Entry forms are available at www.twentyfour12.com, along with all sorts of other useful stuff. Keith Bontrager has posted up a load of useful 24-hour tips, tricks and techniques, along with a handy essential kit list. Other legends of 24-hour racing like Chris Eatough, Nat Ross and Mary Grigson have contributed insights into training and racing.

Further details are emerging about the race itself too. There’ll be the opportunity for a practice night lap on Friday night, just to get the feel of things. Splendidly, there’ll be on-site hot tubs to ease those aching legs between laps (you’ll have to clean yourself up first, though…). The big screen, with bike movies and Tour de France action, will be visible from them too. We foresee some fairly relaxed team strategies…

There’ll also be demo rides of the 2007 Trek full suspension bikes, plus demo fleets from Santa Cruz, Cove, Gary Fisher and Rocky Mountain.