THE FOCUS of Scottish mountain biking will be back on Forfar this month for a major event involving enthusiasts from across the country.
Around 200 entrants are due to descend on the town to test their skills from beginner to elite level in the Angus leg of the 2014 Scottish Cross Country (SXC) Series on Sunday March 23.
Last year, the Forfar course was described as being the best and most challenging of the whole series.
The 6km track, taking in the testing terrain of Balmashanner Hill and the neighbouring sandstone quarry, is the first leg of six championship series races which also includes venues such as Cathkin Braes in Glasgow and Dalbeattie Forest in Dumfries-shire.
Local club Angus Bike Chain is organising the Angus stage and looking forward to the town enjoying a further boost through the growing reputation of the ‘Bummie’ event.
“Riders can expect tough, but short climbs, and fast-flowing, technical descents,” said Mike Milne from Angus Bike Chain.
“We are extremely grateful to local landowners for their support and we hope to attract a record number of entrants and spectators to this event, which is fast becoming a ‘must do’ in the Scottish mountain biking calendar.
“People of all ages and abilities can enter, even if they just turn up on the day.”
The event is being sponsored by Angus Council through its European Regional Development Fund project for Rural Tourism Business Support, and will have a number of additional attractions for young and aspiring mountain bikers, as well as the main race.
“We are delighted to support this event which will bring a significant number of visitors into Forfar,” said Councillor Jeanette Gaul.
“Angus Council is committed to promoting outdoors tourism throughout the area and this is an ideal example of the local community working with us to achieve this.
“There will be lots of see and do on the day, so if you have an interest in mountain biking you should come along and have a look at what’s going on, even if you don’t participate in the race itself.”
For more information about the event, and to register online, visit www.sxc.org.uk. Entry will also be available on the day.
gbrown@dcthomson.co.uk