WHISKY IN THE JAR FOR BENROMACH 10 UNDER THE BEN WINNER
No Fuss for Helen Finlay as this year's 10 Under the Ben Champ
Helen Finlay has come out on top as winner of the Benromach 10 Under the Ben on Saturday 31 May 2008 enjoying a deserved dram of Benromach single malt whisky at the finish. Now in it's fourth year, the event was once more blessed with glorious sunshine as 436 of the total 925 endurance riders gathered at the start ready to do battle with Forestry Commission Scotland's Leanachan Forest, the dreaded midge and now, the ongoing threat of heat exhaustion, all set against the backdrop of Ben Nevis.
Helen Finlay was the top female solo competitor completing the course 8 times in 10hours 06minutes and 26seconds.
The record increase in the popularity of the event confirms Fort William - the Outdoor Capital of the UK - is again the centre of Mountain Biking in Britain with an international field of over 900 riders registering for the Benromach 10 Under the Ben event in 2008. No Fuss Events, organisers of the event, were also delighted to welcome prize winners from New Zealand together with the Test of Metal Ambassadors from Squammish in Canada as the venue braces itself for the UCI Nissan Mountain Bike World Cup that starts on the 6 June.
Frazer Coupland of No Fuss Events was thrilled with the turnout, saying: 'This event just gets bigger and better! Benromach 10 Under The Ben has attracted so many different competitors we're delighted to be able to welcome such a wide range of riders for what continues to be a great day out for all. Huge thanks also to the Forestry Commission for their continued support of No Fuss events and all those who worked so hard to make the event a success.'
'Steve Ham, Director of The Outdoor Capital of the UK, echoed Frazer's sentiments saying: 'It was great to see so many people from all over the UK and beyond enjoying such a fantastic event. And the spectacular scenery and warm welcome that the Outdoor Capital had to offer on such a memorable day.'
10 Under the Ben is the first event of the Benromach Three Tens Series and riders of every ability and fitness level will have more opportunities to ride some more superb endurance courses and enjoy the relaxed and good fun that organisers No Fuss bring to their events as the series moves on. On Saturday 12 July 2008 Galloway Forest Park will be the venue for 10 At Kirroughtree, the second event of the series and the No Fuss team are expecting record numbers to race this year. This superb venue, tucked away in the South West of Scotland, is famous for its fast flowing singletrack and superb mountain bike trails. Having proved its reputation in 2007 No Fuss Events has been working with Forestry Commission Scotland to ensure that some new natural sections of trail will make this event even better than last year.
On Saturday 23 August 2008 the No Fuss Team will then set up camp in the North East of Scotland for the final event in the Benromach series. 10 More in Moray is based at Milne's High School in Fochabers and the Ordequish woods provides an excellent environment for racing; the climbs are just enough of a test and the excitement of the singletrack trails, like the Haggis and the Soup Dragon, will put a smile on the face of any off road rider.
Along with 10 Under the Ben entrants those at Kirroughtree and Moray will also be eligible to enter the superb prize draw for the incredible chance to win an all expenses trip for two to New Zealand to take part in the Sport Southlands Moonshine Trail Event.
2008-06-05
