Nopesport

The Mountain Hardwear Open5 Adventure Race Series is back for its 5th year, having been firmly set in the calendar as the series to attract the best racers in the country, as well as being an accessible introduction for newcomers.

The events are for pairs and solos, with venues chosen to showcase the most spectacular countryside the UK has to offer. Competitors have to visit as many points as possible in 5 hours by mountain bike and on a foot - with many of the points in quirky locations to give competitors that little smile.

Tim Higginbottom, winner of the 2007 Open5 series as well as elite winner in the LAMM, OMM and the Highlander Mountain Marathon, says "Competing in the Open5 series has taken me to amazing places I've never been before, with great competition, seamless organisation and friendly events to boot - there has not be one event that I've not enjoyed".

Emily Brooks, a Keswick Mountain Bikes sponsored rider and Open5 series winner, says �you can�t beat the atmosphere at an Open5 event; I�ll be back for all five events in this series!�

The new series starting in November will visit the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, York Moors, North Pennines and the Peak District. Those entering all five events will get a real tour of the country and experience some great views and amazing cycling.

Series winners are taken from the best 3 scores from the five events. Mountain Hardwear is pulling out the stops with great prizes, with over �2500 prizes over the series. With podium winners walking away with over �100 of great kit for getting outdoors. For the first time there will be a special series prize to the highest points scored by a female and male over all five events.

For further details and online entry check out www.openadventure.com

North Pennines (Blanchland) - 2nd November 08
Lake District (Staveley) - 7th December 08
York Moors (Stokesley) - 1st February 09
Yorkshire Dales (Malham) - 1st March 09
Peak District (Hope) - 5th April 09

Emily Brooks in action in the Yorkshire Dales