TransScotland 2007

2006 saw the first ever Merida TransWales MTB Stage Challenge and put this new concept of stage racing not just onto the UK event map but also left a lasting impression with the global mountain biking community.

The 2007 the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (powered by Merida Bicycles) inspired 300 riders from 15 countries (as far afield as: Hong Kong, ………..) to challenge the trails of the beautiful Scottish border region including a selection of the world famous 7Stanes trails.

On the morning of the 27th May the field started their 7 day, 325mile (503km) long challenge, with almost 45,000ft (13,700m) of climbing! After the wet Trans Wales event in 2006 everybody hoped for some better weather to keep their tent and their equipment dry. Luckily the weather was far more generous in Scotland and even the much dreaded midges stayed away!

The field of riders was divided into 5 categories each with a leader’s jersey up for grabs. Scottish Borders sponsored the Solo category, High5 took the Mixed category, Buff supported the Female category, BeOne the Male category and Gore gave their shirts out to the leaders and winners of the Veteran’s category.

The unique concept of combining linking (un-timed) marathon like stages with special (timed) off-road time trail stages quickly started to show who would be in the running for the over all title and for the occasional stage win.    

The route took the riders from Selkirk to the south east beyond Dalbeattie, before it returned via Moffat and Peebles (stopping over at Glentress for the infamous night stage) to Selkirk where all the riders were rewarded with their Merida TransScotland jerseys. (See the complete stage plan here: )  If you are interested in the daily reports from the 2006 Merida TransWales then please click here.

“We did not think that we could improve on last years riding and atmosphere” said co-organiser Michael Wilkens “but with the weather on our side and such a mix of riders from all over the world I think the TransScotland can give the TransWales a real run for its money. Both events are so different that we should see a running of both events in the same year very soon!”

As during the launch event in 2006 the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland was again closely followed by the press and daily updates were put on the many mountain bike websites out there. If you are intereted to read the full story of the 2nd event in the TransUK event history then check out the event diary with results and images here:

Preparations are in full flow for the 2nd TransWales which will take place from the 16th – 23rd August 2008. Early bookings exceeded all expectations and everything is set for another great event. To find out more and read the complete story of the 2006 (HERE>) and 2007 (HERE>).