With less than a week to go until the legendary Benromach 10 Under The Ben mountain bike endurance race, the flagship event of the Benromach Three Tens Series, organisers, No Fuss Events, have announced the introduction of a Le Mans Style start for 2010.
On Saturday 15 May hundreds of mountain bikers will line up at the start before sprinting for at least 100 metres to pick up their trusty steads and setting off on the ten hour epic round the 9 mile course of steady climbs and swooping downhills. This new start has not only been designed to separate the field and ease congestion on the abundant singletrack but the ensuing mayhem will also be a very entertaining spectacle for the many spectators and supporters looking on.
Up to 950 participants of various fitness levels and skill abilities from all over the UK, riding solo or in relay teams of two, three or four, will do battle with Forestry Commission Scotland’s Leanachan Forest in the Outdoor Capital of the UK and whatever the west coast weather has in store. With the event being two weeks earlier than in previous years organisers are also hoping for a novel but very welcome Highland midge free weekend.
Frazer Coupland, from No Fuss Events, said: ‘The No Fuss team are looking forward to a big year for 10 Under the Ben. We are still open for entries and so far numbers are up on previous years. We are very excited to be introducing riders to some new boardwalk we have constructed and three great new natural sections that will be revealed on the day; but only if the weather is perfect. This combined with our new Le Mans style start should keep all our regulars entertained throughout the day.
The team from Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the Three Tens series sponsors for a third consecutive year, will be on hand after registration on Friday evening (14 May) to offer samples of their exquisite new 10 year old single malt and other whiskies in the range. This will take place at The Snowgoose Restaurant, which sits at 655m on the face of Aonach Mor. They will also be presenting spot prizes throughout the day on 15 May.
This year Alpine Bikes will be on site to provide technical support and assistance for all riders. The team will be able to offer support with spares and expertise throughout the weekend.
The three challenging races in the The Benromach Three Tens Series – 10 Under The Ben, 10 At Kirroughtree and 10 More In Moray – are run on an endurance format to see who can complete the most laps of a 10 mile course in a grueling 10 hours. Most importantly all three events give recreational riders, racers, off road riders and weekend warriors an opportunity to get on their bikes, ride great courses with loads of like minded people whilst having a good time in a fun and relaxed environment.
The Benromach 10 Under The Ben centre will be at The Nevis Range car park again this year.
For those riders with a bit of energy left after their grueling ride; or spectators and supporters keen to explore the Leanachan trail system, the No Fuss team have introduced Scotland’s newest off road run, The Outdoor Capital Trail Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run, the following day. On Sunday 16 May 2010 this unique running experience will be the first chance trail runners will have to test themselves on world famous mountain biking trails used during the Mountain Bike World Cup, World Championships and the Benromach Ten Under The Ben. It is also ideal for both trail running beginners or experienced ‘mountain goats’ keen to take in the stunning sights of the Great Glen, the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis, as the route winds through the iconic Leanachan Forest. There is still time to sign up.
For more information on No Fuss Events in 2010 and to enter all of the events – http://www.nofussevents.co.uk
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haven’t they done this every year? i always shotgun NOT running at no fuss events…
this style of start sucks.Have you ever seen runners at a marathon cycling up to the start line No!
It may well suck as you put it, but to my mind it doesn’t suck as much as the bottle neck at the first bit of singletrack that you usually get at this event. If it reduce that, then great.
None of the No Fuss 10 hour events that I’ve been to (at least one per year since the first 10 Under the Ben) have had running starts. They’ve had rolling starts or everyone’s formed up behind a start line. They tend to be a feature of other events, such as MM and SitS, though.
yep first time they have done this… if it get rid of the slowcoaches and allows the races to nip out in front, it has my vote (unlike the tories and the rest of the easy life parasites known as politicians)
I remember running for the bus once, I think it was in 1987. Swore I’d never try that again! I wonder who I’ll get to start for our team….
Pedro has been ‘assigned’ this task…I managed to scar everyone with my WildBoar effort so I was never on the list which is handy!
Stop b1tching and just get on with it. If you don’t like the format of an event then don’t bother entering the event. There are plenty of other folk to take your place.