Scotland Outdoors

A 24-hour mountain bike endurance race took place near Fort William, the self-proclaimed 'outdoor capital' of the UK.

Relentless24 started from and finished at the Nevis Range complex, covering a course of tracks climbing up Aonach Mor and into Leanachan Forest. Competitors were steered along the world-famous Witch's Trail in a course which included trails used during the mountain bike world championships in September.

Beginning at noon on Saturday 13 October with a Le Mans style racing start, riders competed along the area's world-class tracks for 24 hours until the race's conclusion at noon.

Gruelling mountain race

The area has built a reputation as the home of mountain biking in the UK, and organisers of this gruelling event said that record levels of entries reinforced this reputation. No Fuss Events, who also organised the Three Tens MTB and Big Triathlon endurance events, said the field included "weekend warriors", recreational mountain bike riders as well as "cross-country whippets."

It was set to be a test for physical fitness, stamina and mental toughness on what organisers described as a "technical but achievable" route. Sections of trail were constructed for the recent world championships by trail-building expert Mark Hedderwick.

At least half of the event took place in the dark, although the course was designed to be navigable regardless of weather conditions.

Technical climbs, brilliant descents

Before the start of the event Frazer Coupland, a spokesman for the event's organisers, said: "The course is fantastic, the technical climbs are hard but fair, there are brilliant single-track descents as reward. Included for the first time are some new areas of the forest."

The emphasis was on participation, enjoyment and a fun experience for riders, family members, spectators and support crew. Organisers made an effort to provide good facilities, camping, food and entertainment from start to finish.

The Outdoor Capital project is supporting Relentless24.
Formed in 2003, Outdoor Capital is a not-for-profit, community focused initiative which aims to promote the Fort William and Lochaber area as a top spot for outdoor pursuits. By encouraging visitors to the area the initiative hopes to develop local jobs and encourage sustainable economic growth.

Bewitching trails

The owner of the Leanachan forest is Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), which serves as the forestry department of the Scottish Executive. FCS is spearheading the development of mountain biking in Scotland. The largest landowner in the country, it has created a variety of mountain bike centres including the 7stanes trails in the south of Scotland.

The availability of a range of trails, suitable for all levels of riders, has helped Scotland retain its status as 'Global Superstar' - awarded by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) - for two years.

With a year-round list of mountain biking events, the area is proving a magnet for outdoors enthusiasts, and not only those who are willing to ride for 24 hours along trails named after a legendary local witch.

Page first published on Thursday 11th October 2007
Page last updated on Tuesday 17th June 2008