Mountain: British NPS XC Series Round 2 – May 10th, Drumlanrig, Dumfriesshire

The weather could not have been more ideal for the second round of the 2008 NPS Series, this time held in the extensive estate and grounds of the picturesque Drumlanrig Castle, just north of the English/Scottish border.

The 8km long course proved not to be for the faint-hearted, providing some challenging and technical terrain with plenty of fast and tight single-track. Fortunately for the riders, the wet and slippery rocks and roots, had fully dried out thanks to the great weather across the UK over the weekend.

Spirits were high amongst those racing, in part surely due to the spectacular surroundings and sunshine; however as the race progressed conditions became very hot and sticky, with some riders succumbing undesirably to dehydration problems.

One rider who certainly overcame any possible hindrance was Trek supported rider Ruby Miller who stormed home to first place in the Youth Category in 56 minutes 36 secs, a whole 9 minutes faster than her closest rival and second place Hannah Shenton. Ruby, who currently rides for Team Lifeforce is undeniably at the top of her game.

The next round of the British NPS XC Series will take place on 14^th June at Grizedale in the Lake District.