The success of the Selkirk event has prompted bigger plans

The seven-day marathon in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders hopes to attract riders from across Europe.

It will be based around the 7stanes biking centres at Glentrool, Mabie, Ae, Kirroughtree, Dalbeattie, Newcastleton and the Tweed Valley.

Organisers said the success of previous one-day events staged in Selkirk had prompted the ambitious plans.

Merida Marathons is staging a similar event in Wales this month and hopes the Scottish event can go ahead in May 2007.

"We are already active with one of our main events in Selkirk," said spokesman Michael Wilkens.

I have seen grown men coming over the line crying saying it is the best day's mountain biking they have had Michael Wilkens Merida Marathons

"It is a lovely place with a fantastic course and a fantastic set up.

"The Borders offer something similar to the trail course in Wales."

The idea is to have a series of timed special stages at the 7stanes courses with other link stages totalling anything up to 75 miles a day.

Competitors from Holland, Belgium, Italy and even Hong Kong are taking part in the Welsh event.

Mr Wilkens said there was no reason why the Scottish event would not attract even better numbers than the 300 hoped for in Wales.

He said the Tweed Valley event was rated as one of the best around.

"I have seen grown men coming over the line crying saying it is the best day's mountain biking they have had," he said.