Building on the success of last year's three race Essex series, the Mud Sweat and Gears organisers have spread their wings and signed up Thetford MTB Racing and the Tunstall and Rendlesham Offroad Group (TROG) as partners for 2010 as well as expanding their relationship with Chelmsford Borough Council to include Hylands Park in Essex. The resulting six races form the first Eastern XC series since 2003.
The expanded series covers Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and has everything from technically challenging single track, to long open downhills and testing climbs. Each venue promises to provide the rider with a unique challenge.
Alistair Russell, Events Manager for sportessex and Mud Sweat and Gears Series Director:
‘Despite its growth, Mud Sweat and Gears will remain fun for all. We continue to be proud of our youth and grass roots following, but as well as providing a good event for them we are keen to attract more experienced racers and to take on a greater status within the racing calendar. We want each event to be a good day out for all the family whatever level of race you are entering.'
Because of the series grass roots background the race format is subtlety different from any of the other UK regional series. There are four races within each event: 'Grommets' for the under 12s 'Challenger' for the under 16s 'Warrior' for the beginner or fun racer and then in the afternoon the 'Racer' category where BC ranking points will be available.
For more information on this format and other aspects of the racing please see www.mudsweatgears.co.uk.
Rachel Fenton, Eastern Regional Events Officer for British Cycling:
'BC are proud to be a partner of the new and improved ‘Mud, Sweat and Gears’ Eastern MTB Series. With the Olympic Mountain Biking races being held in Essex in 2012 we hope more people, from all backgrounds will want to give the sport a go and now they will have the opportunity to do just that right here in the East. As an MTBer myself I’m looking forward to being able to go to more events closer to home. The MSG team are doing a tremendous job at providing for grassroots and competitive riders, offering a unique format at a number of incredible MTB venues!
