The British NPS season kicks off really soon, 25th/26th April, and news just in is that Animal/Commencal world cup racer Gee Atherton will be racing. It’s always a boost when top riders make time to race the national series.

Here’s the official line from Si Paton:

The 2009 season is already in full swing and the Brits were in full force at last weekends World Cup in South Africa.
The stepping stone to the World Cup is widely seen as the British National Points Series – NPS, this year sponsored by MSC Bikes, Descent-Gear, British Cycling and Monster Energy. The first three rounds carry UCI points which means bumper prize money and for those riders fast enough, qualification onto the World Cup stage.
The weekend of the 25th and 26th of April see’s the first round of the NPS at Ae Forest near Dumfries in the South West of Scotland.
The U.Ks finest riders have worked and trained hard to qualify at the regional races throughout the land to gain enough points to race the prestigous NPS.

Photo:Sven Martin

STOP PRESS:
We can now also confirm Current UCI World Champion Gee Atherton is to race the NPS Rd 1.
Now it’s a one run race format for the win so it really is do or die, anything could happen..
If you have 5 BC points and can get your entry to Steve Parr by Monday 20th of April we’ve had some injury drop out so still have a few places left!
Here is the schedule so you don’t miss any of the action:
Saturday
08:30 Uplift opens
09:30 Open Practise*
17:00 Expert/Elite Practise only
17:30 Course Closed
18:00 Riders Meeting
18:05 Course inspection on foot only
Sunday
08:30 Uplift opens
09:00 Open Practise
10:45 Course Closed
11:00 Timed Seeding Run
15:00 One Timed Race Run
18:00 Podium
Pureriders.co.uk and Descent-Gear.com will be trackside stocked up with the all latest gear, spares and repairs. Steve Parr will also be showcasing the latest range of MSC Bikes.
Tim Flooks from TF Tuned will be throwing in 200 big ones to the rider who wins their category by the biggest margin. Pete Evans from 2Stage Bikes has also dug deep and will be flowing another 200 sterling to the rider with the fastest seeding and race run time overall!
Parking and Camping for riders and spectators is always free and Monster Energy will be there fuelling the riders and there with their huge Wigwam to keep us sheltered from the elements. We have a huge sound system, live timing with big screen and running commentary.
Everyone is welcome to walk up the hill and catch the action close up, just make sure you stay well behind the tapes.
We have a new onsite caterer to keep the hunger away who will be set up trackside.
There is also a permanent onsite Cafe and bike shop that will be open a short walk away by the main Forestry Car Parks.
Friday 08:00 – 20:00
Saturday 08:00 – 22:00
Sunday 08:00 – 18:00
They also provide a Bike wash £1.00 and Showers £1.00 so bring some change.
Now how to get to Ae Forest?
Ae Forest Post Code DG1 1QB – Village of Ae in Dumfries
You may find the AA route finder very useful:
The Village of Ae is just off the A701 and the race venue will be well signposted!
http://www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp
Further information on the NPS can be found at www.NPSDH.com
Both Steve Parr and Si Paton welcome you all and look forward to seeing you trackside for another great year of top flight racing.

world cup rider gee atherton will race the british national points series which starts at ae forest in scotland in April