The 1st ride of the season has just left the Builth Wells Showground – with over 200 riders heading out onto the hills. Now in its 7th year the traditional season starter the EXPOSURE LIGHTS BIG NIGHT OUT night marathon has once again seen a huge crowd of night riding enthusiasts heading out into the night.

The 2012 ELBNO is a challenging affair which will test the stamina as well as the technical ability of the riders over the 45km (1300m of climbing) long course.

Unfortunately the weather hasn’t been as kind it has been over the last couple of years but the conditions on out on course should be still fast and dry so we are expecting some fast times at the front of the field. As in previous years a long stretch of the nation’s best XC and marathon riders have come to Builth to test their early season strength as well as to join the relaxed atmosphere around the event village, the campground and out on course.

The field for Sunday’s main event has so far more than 800 riders signed on. With the promising weather forecast and the fast trail conditions out there we are expected lots more to sign up on Sunday morning.

So if you are keen to come along there is still the chance to enter at the event and join the fun.

We have two photographers and a firm crew out on course. So expect some great photos and videos to come out of this weekend.

More for the Chain Reaction Cycles MTB-Marathon Series powered by Mercedes-Benz in the next couple of days.