THIS weekend, the eyes of the ‘mountain bike world’ will be focused firmly on the town of Innerleithen, in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
The iXS European Downhill Cup, sponsored by BT Infinity, rolls into the Tweed Valley this week for the only UK round of Europe’s premier downhill mountain bike series.
Running over four days from 14 to 17 June, the world’s best male and female downhill racers will pit their skills against each other at one of the spiritual homes of the UK downhill scene.
A number of fringe events will keep spectators and riders entertained and there will even be an appearance by the Olympic Torch!
This is the biggest downhill race in the UK outside the World Cup at Fort William with over 300 competitors racing on a specially constructed one-off track through Traquair Forest to the sensational finish arena, watched by several thousand spectators.
Many of the world’s best riders will compete, coming from as far afield as New Zealand, South Africa, the Czech Republic and including the Swedish national downhill team.
They will compete against local heroes, Lewis Buchanan and Ruiraidh Cunningham, for the top honours and prize fund on their home course.
Duncan Nisbet – of organisers, Innerleithen MTB Racing – said” “This year, we are focusing on the expected 3,000 spectators just as much as the riders.
“The event finish arena will be the focus for competitors and spectators alike, with lots to do, see, buy and try.
“The weekend will include a Film Night, Dual Slalom and Pump Track competitions and a Mini-Downhill event for under-16’s.
“Free entry for spectators over the three race days gives access to all the action as well as on-site catering, kids’ skills area, timber pump track and trade stands. There really is something for everyone.”
The programme of events starts on the evening of Thursday 14 June with the Go Pro Film Night showcasing some local riding and filming talent.
Go Pro will be giving away a free camera each day of the event to a random lucky spectator in the event arena.
Earlier in the day, the Olympic Torch passes through Innerleithen on its relay round the UK.
The main event is a downhill race with uplift service for riders, and kicks off with a practice session on Friday 15 June followed by the official launch party in the evening.
Saturday sees further practice and qualifying for the main race.
For the Kids, there is a mini DH competition during the day for ten-to-16 year-olds; with entry only £12.
The day finishes with the Fetish Dual Slalom competition in the evening (free entry, so bring your bike!).
Both these events are ideal for spectators as the action comes thick and fast. Saturday also sees the Innerleithen Pipe Band Championships take place in the town.
A parade of the massed pipes and drums will be along Innerleithen High Street in the early evening.
The pipers and drummers will be accompanied by downhill race competitors.
Sunday will see the final practice and race runs for the riders, followed by the prize presentations.
This is the culmination of the whole weekend and spectators are advised to arrive early to be sure of a good vantage point on the track or in the finish arena.
The racing will be fierce and the action intense with riders seeded according to their times on Saturday, with the fastest riders looking to drive their competition from the hot seat as they enter the finish arena!
Prize presentations will take place on the podiums with pipers providing the entertainment, finishing off a weekend of top extreme sports action and entertainment in the Scottish hotspot of mountain biking, Innerleithen in the Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders.
Further information and details on the event can be found at the official site: http://www.ixscupinnerleithen.com/ or find us on FaceBook and Twitter @ixscupinners.
Innerleithen MTB Racing is supported by EventScotland and Scottish Borders Council as event partners with BT Infinity as headline sponsor.
There is further support from Glendinnings Groundwork Ltd, i-cycles, The Bike Lodge, Alpine Bikes, Trail Perfection and Aim Up.
Traquair Forest is part of the National Forest Estate, administered by Forestry Commission Scotland, and the event has been organised with the support of the Dumfries and Borders Forestry District office.
Ends
Event programme
Thursday 14th June
11:50 Olympic Torch Relay on Innerleithen High Street
19:30 Film Night at Innerleithen Union Club
Friday 15th June
11:00 Rider sign-on opens
12:00 Course open for inspection
12:00 Event Arena opens
14:00 Course opens for practice session
18:00 Course closes for practice session
20:00 Launch Party at Traquair Arms Hotel
Saturday 16th June
08:00 Course open for practice session
08:00 Event Arena opens
10:00 Kids under 16 DH race in Traquair Forest
14:30 Qualifying runs start
16:30 Podiums Mini DH
17:30 Course closes
18:00 Dual Slalom at Event Arena – open to all
Sunday 17th June
08:00 Course open for practice session
08:00 Event Arena opens
12:00 Course closes for practice session
12:30 Final Race Runs start
17:00 Podiums and Event Finish
About Innerleithen MTB Racing
We are an Innerleithen based race team and event promoter with supported riders in many cycling disciplines. Our main supporter is i-Cycles bike shop (www.i-cycles.co.uk). We are a ‘not for profit’ volunteer organisation with the aim to stage fun, friendly and challenging events for all disciplines of mountain biking.
Over the last three years we have organised the British Cross Country (XC) Championships, numerous XC and Multi-Stage Enduro races, a Mini DH race series for under-18s and the very successful iXS European Downhill Cup.
About EventScotland
EventScotland is the national events agency.
EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.
For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org
The Year of Creative Scotland 2012 will spotlight and celebrate Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage and is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.
More information and resources to help businesses engage with Year of Creative Scotland are available at: www.visitscotland.org/yearofcreativescotland-toolkit
About Forestry Commission Scotland
Forestry Commission Scotland’s (FCS) mission is to protect and expand Scotland’s forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. The FCS are pleased to support community run mountain biking events such as the iXS Cup at Traquair, as part of a commitment to health improvement. The focus is on making local woodland accessible and welcoming – helping people build healthy activity into their daily lives.
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Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ixscupinnerleithen.com
