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NEWS... |
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03.08.10 Selkirk event report HERE>> |
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28.07.10 Selkirk Event News HERE>> |
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06.07.10 Grassington event report HERE>> |
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30.06.10 News update before the Yorkshire round HERE>> |
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24.06.10 IMPORTANT NEWS from the Grassington Round HERE>> |
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25.05.10 News and Photos from the Builth Marathon HERE>> |
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21.05.10 News from the Builth event showground HERE>> |
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19.05.10 Only a couple of days before the Builth event, latest HERE>> |
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26.04.10 Youtube videos and more from the first event HERE>> |
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19.04.10 News report from the first of this years Marathons HERE>> |
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09.04.10 News from the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells...HERE>> |
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06.04.10 Only a couple of days to go before the first event of 2010 - latest event news HERE>> |
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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>> |
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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>> |
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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>> |
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2009 News HERE>> |
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2008 News HERE>> |
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2004 |
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Builth Wells Event Review
Builth Wells has played host to the MTB Marathon Series for five years
now to underline its status as the home of the Merida 100. Each year
it just keeps on getting better and better, remaining a firm favourite
with riders, and last year was no different: “Builth was the
highlight location of the marathon series, with a great course,”
said David Arthur.It’s where old friendships are rekindled,
and new ones forged. It’s the essence of mountain biking camaraderie
and Builth remains at the very epicentre of it all.
With the full compliment of marathon distances on offer of 50km, 75km
and the big 100km, Builth was once again the perfect bridge for many
riders to move up from the 50km challenge to the 75km, before stepping
up and taking on the 100km at either Selkirk or Ruthin. But for many
tackling their first ever marathon, Builth’s relaxed festival
atmosphere calmly laid to rest any nagging doubts or apprehensions:
“This was my first ever marathon, or any ride over 60kms,”
Allan Thomas said of his Builth experience. “I was filled with
trepidation prior to the start, but this wasn’t helped by the
fact I was riding a 32 lbs Turner 5 Spot with fat 2.25in tyres in
comparison to some of the ‘whippet-bikes’ I was lined
up alongside at the start! However, my worries soon disappeared once
the start line was crossed: The friendly atmosphere and camaraderie
on the course was a pleasure to be part of.”
Taking in a slightly modified course over the previous year, the trails
still took riders over some of the very best riding on offer in the
area with big, steep and fast descents, front wheel poppingly steep
climbs, and big fun flowing singletrack with a few technical surprises
to keep everyone on their toes. The steady climb out of the town behind
the lead car once again stretched the field out before riders hit
the trails proper, and then it was straight into the good stuff for
all 1,207 riders to get their kicks, all under the umbrella of wall-to-wall
sunshine. “I was more worried about sunburn than exhaustion
on the hardest 100km I’ve done to date,” said David Arthur
of his Builth ride. But despite all the huffing and puffing, and the
draining sun, “The views were worth the effort,” and the
memories long lasting.
2003 Builth Wells marathonist Jim Davies wrote to tell the team that
although “I would have loved to do another marathon this year
I’m now working as an MTB guide and am hardly ever in the country,
but I just wanted to thank you for all the good memories from last
year;” with many marathonists returning religiously to the Builth
round – and those unable to wishing they could – it’s
rightly earned it’s mantle and fierce reputation. “It’s
established itself more than any other marathon events in the mountain
bike calendar as it’s been on the same weekend since it started,”
said co-organiser Mike Wilkens of Builth’s popularity. “John
lives in Builth and knows the area like the back of his hand and this
helps to keep the course fresh and exciting; plus the festival-like
atmosphere goes hand in hand with the general concept of riding with
each other rather than against one another.”
2004 was a fine homecoming for the Merida 100 series: with an all-weather
course in place, the
biggest event village of the series with free post-ride massage on
hand to sooth riders’ haggard hamstrings, the most riders, and
more prize draws than Bruce Forsyth could ask for; as Roger Sparkman
succinctly put it, Builth’s simply a “great ride, great
event.” This year the team will be working hard to make sure
that Builth gets even better, so make sure you don’t miss out
and get yourself to the original and best event of the Merida 100
Series... |
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2004 |
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