 |
|
|
|
| |
NEWS... |
| |
03.08.10 Selkirk event report HERE>> |
| |
28.07.10 Selkirk Event News HERE>> |
| |
06.07.10 Grassington event report HERE>> |
| |
30.06.10 News update before the Yorkshire round HERE>> |
| |
24.06.10 IMPORTANT NEWS from the Grassington Round HERE>> |
| |
25.05.10 News and Photos from the Builth Marathon HERE>> |
| |
21.05.10 News from the Builth event showground HERE>> |
| |
19.05.10 Only a couple of days before the Builth event, latest HERE>> |
| |
26.04.10 Youtube videos and more from the first event HERE>> |
| |
19.04.10 News report from the first of this years Marathons HERE>> |
| |
09.04.10 News from the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells...HERE>> |
| |
06.04.10 Only a couple of days to go before the first event of 2010 - latest event news HERE>> |
| |
26.03.10 Only a couple of weeks to go before the 1st event of the 2010 season will kick off at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells...HERE>> |
| |
15.03.10 Temperatures are still low but there is no denying that spring is trying its best to break through. And with spring approaching the 1st round of the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series powered by Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport can’t be far away. In fact we are talking only four weeks from now. HERE>> |
| |
10.02.10 For 2010 the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB Marathon Series is being supported by Mercedes-Benz and the Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport van. This versatile vehicle delivers on style without compromising practicality. The Vito Sport will be on site at the event, showing off its assets and why it’s got the mountain bikers’ seal of approval.HERE>> |
| |
2009 News HERE>> |
| |
2008 News HERE>> |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
2004 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Ruthin Event Review
Ruthin brought up the rear of the 2004 series in fine style, once
again
showcasing some of the best trails out on the impressive Clywdian
hills, and giving everyone a great set of memories to see them through
the murky winter months.
The Clwydian’s themselves are a 35km long chain of hills that
rise to 554m in the north of Wales between Prestatyn and Llandegla.
With the sun god smiling down on all 1,125 riders, the trails riddling
the backs of the hills were in good condition compared to the previous
year´s muddy going. Drier trails meant that riders were able
to get a fuller flavour of the riding amongst the Clwydian’s
clefts and folds.
Lining up to do battle alongside the massed throng of enthusiast and
weekend warriors were none other than Keith Bontrager – who
was making his second successive appearance in preparation for the
Three Peaks Cyclo Cross challenge – and British Olympian Oli
Beckingsale of the MBUK/Scott team, fresh back from the Mount Parnitha
Olympic cross country race in Athens in August. “It could not
have been more different to the Olympics or Worlds, but it was just
what I needed,” said Oli of his ride. “I was pretty fried
after weeks of pressure, so a bit of old school riding was spot on.”
With big climbs, swooopy singletrack and long, fast descents the course
around Ruthin was a toughie. The Clywdian´s are one of five
designated areas of outstanding natural beauty in Wales and Chris
Marshall took full advantage by designing a course which took in as
many nooks and crannies of it as he could into both the 50km and the
80km routes. The previous year saw John raving about the course (“It´s
the best course out of the three,” he said in 2003) and although
Selkirk emphatically stole Ruthin´s thunder this time, the Clwydian
course was still challenging and tested everybody who took part, whatever
their standards. Oli Beckingsale managed to complete the maximum distance
in just 4hrs 13mins 23secs, with the last rider smiling their way
over the line to great applause in 9hrs 41mins 21secs.
The event village and camping were both shifted from the previous
year´s venue at the leisure centre and uprooted across town
to the rugby club, and despite a freak burst of wind trashing one
of the Pedro´s Ezee-Ups the event continued on its march of
success. “Ruthin was even better than last year with a much
better venue,” said Emma Glaisher. “It was nice to have
camping closer to the event village.” Hot showers and the club
house´s bar also right on hand added some much appreciated creature
and alcoholic comforts.
For those not pitting themselves against the pleasures and pains of
the marathon courses there was plenty to see and do in the historic
town of Ruthin. An Open Heritage weekend was being held over the same
weekend as the Merida 100, with many historic buildings open to the
public, guided walks taking place, and re-enactment demonstrations
of ancient life offering diversions and entertainment for non-riding
partners, friends and families. “This was a well-received extra
for all the left behinds and we will continue to develop extra features
to entertain non-riders at the events for 2005,” co-organiser
Mike Wilkens said.
With good weather, some fantastic memories, and plenty of great riding
under 4,296 pairs of tyres, Ruthin brought the 2004 Merida 100 MTB-Marathon
Series to a successful close. “Ruthin was outstanding,”
Grant Kier told the Merida100 team. “If only more competitive
events could be as well organised... simply world class.” But
for 2005 the team are set to up the ante and put on the best mountain
bike marathon events anywhere in Europe. |
|
|
| |
2004 |
|
|
|
