Return of the Dragon XC Series
The Welsh Dragon Series returns this Sunday 17th February with an early season opener at many peoples favourite venue, Coed-y-Brenin.
Based around the course used for the closing weekend of the British Mountain Bike XC series last year, with a few 'tweaks' including a stinging little climb, the course promises to be every bit as challenging for the riders and punishing on the bikes as at last years National Series, when many competitors succumbed to punctures on the North Wales course.
You can expect it to be rocky, technical and a lot of fun with some good fireroad climbing thrown in to really make you work! The bermy, swoopy, switchback section finishes off the lap for all racers and the Under 12's will face a short climb up through the trees before turning right to descend the berms and switchbacks to finish their short lap.
Situated on the old visitor centre side of the road there will be plenty of parking. There will be toilets, drinking water, and refreshments including one of the highlights of last year, the delicious home made cakes, sandwiches and snacks.
There are National Ranking points up for grabs and although pre-entry is now closed, entry is available on the day. The organiser Ifan has attracted some sponsors including Summit Cycles, so there will be spot prizes along with trophies for the top three in every category and certificates and a prize for all Under 12's.
The course will be marked out on Saturday and can be pre-ridden Saturday afternoon and before racing begins at 11am on Sunday with the Under 12's. All other categories begin at 12pm with staggered starts. Registration opens at 9.30am Sunday so get along and support the first Dragon Series race of the season.
Directions can be found from the link below, just remember that the old visitor centre is on the opposite side of the road to the directions on the site so turn off the A470 400yds before or after the new centre depending if you are coming from the north or south.
http://www.mbwales.com/coed_y_brenin/index.htm#
Ian Roff
Posted 13/02/08