Head to head bike racing is at the heart of the Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival

Exhilarating head to head bike racing is at the heart of the family focused Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival weekend from Friday 31 August to Sunday 02 September.

Article Source: Littlehouse Media
Last Updated: 23 August 2018 11:26

It's all about head to head bike racing at Fife's Eliminator

Exhilarating head to head bike racing is at the heart of the family focused Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival weekend, this year supported by EventScotland – part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, being staged at Parkhill Farm, Newburgh, Fife from Friday 31 August to Sunday 02 September 2018.

Kicking off the festival in style on Friday evening, The Cross Country Eliminator, Scotland's only cross country mountain bike eliminator tournament, has fast and furious racing from riders of all skill levels battling it out to avoid elimination. Four riders race side by side on a short, feature-packed cross-country course - approximately 2 to 3 minutes per lap. The first two riders to cross the finish line in each race will progress to the next round in a bid to reach the final and ultimate glory.

The now legendary and 'whacky' Eliminator Head2Head downhill race, the festival's signature event, makes a welcome return on Sunday (with practice and qualifying on Saturday). Cross country whippets and mountain bike enduro specialists are pitched against downhillers and weekend warriors in a series of seeded head to head downhill races on a super-fun dual downhill track with three challenging but smile inducing sections - 'The Bear', 'The Fairmer’s Forest' and 'The Crazy Crops'. The first rider to cross the finishline moves into the next round. Once it gets down to the last 16 riders things get a lot more exciting for both riders and spectators, with 4-way Head2Head battles!

The Eliminator Head2Head downhill tournament is restricted to a maximum of 64 riders (in an elimination format), aged 12 years old and up; with both male and female participants racing each other. However, 96 riders will get a chance to qualify through a series of timed runs on Saturday.

The riders who do not qualify for the Eliminator Head2Head or are eliminated from the early rounds will be automatically entered into the new Barley Dual Slalom (on Sunday). This is a thrilling first past the post dual racing elimination tournament through a field of fully-grown Barley. This is a single elimination format so the first rider to cross the finish line progresses to the next round and the loser is eliminated from the tournament.

Looking ahead to next weekend’s event Aaron Gray, festival organiser at Muckmedden Events, said: “The Eliminator is very unique as a mountain bike event. It’s as exciting for the spectators as it is for the riders. It’s such a buzz watching the riders racing elbow-to-elbow through the event village. The compact venue also means you can go for a walk and be at some of the most exciting course sections and challenging features within just a few minutes.

“It’s also amazing for the riders, with that extra surge of adrenaline you get from lining up at the start line amongst a large crowd of cheering spectators, knowing if your opponent crosses the finish line first, you could be knocked out of the tournament.

“Since we developed The Eliminator into a family-friendly festival last year, it’s not just about mountain biking anymore. These days it’s as much about the live music, food and drink and all the family-friendly activities off the bike as it is about the bike racing. We had many families attend last year’s festival who’d never been to a mountain bike event before and had a fantastic weekend, without riding a bike! I love that the festival doesn’t just cater for the muddy mountain bikers these days, but also their not-so-muddy friends and family!”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director for Events, said: "Scotland is the perfect stage for cycling events, and the Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival promises to be a fantastic action-packed weekend. The event truly has something for everyone, and the mix of mountain bike racing, live music, family-friendly activities and food & drink will no doubt attract a wide range of locals and visitors alike to Parkhill Farm.”

Parkhill Farm, a working farm, will once again be transformed into the magnificent venue for one of Scotland’s most fun-packed, family-friendly festivals, with an all-action activity programme for every age, both on and off the bike. As with its sister festival, Cream o' the Croft, recently staged at Comrie Croft Trail Centre, The Eliminator is not only a festival of mountain bike racing for all ages, it is also a music festival with fun activities, camping and glamping; and a gourmet, locally sourced food and drink festival, all crammed into one unbelievable entertainment weekend.

The attractions that will keep everyone entertained on Friday, Saturday and Sunday include a fantastic line up of live music (local Fife duo The Coaltown Daisies will headline on Saturday night), live DJ sets, climbing wall, pumptrack, yoga sessions, silent disco, Funky Mountain obstacle course, a round of the Scottish Bike Trial Championships, a farmers market, face-painting, mega water slide, karaoke, storytelling and craft and circus workshops. All non-race activities are included in the price of a festival pass or race entry.

In celebration of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, Event organisers, Muckmedden Events, have scheduled a number of exciting opportunities to get local young people between eight and 26 from the Fife and Kinross communities involved at The Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival. The event organising team is looking to recruit more budding designers, engineers, musicians, singers, DJ’s and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents at the festival.

Organisers, Muckmedden Events, are promising the greatest edition of the event yet; and to celebrate they have produced a promotional video, filmed at the venue earlier in the year, which they have just been released - youtu.be/VxdGDAx2lWA

For more information about The Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival and to purchase festival passes and race entries go to www.muckmedden.co.uk/our-events/the-eliminator/

Image credit: Ian Potter

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Gilded Balloon and Edinburgh Street Food announce new, dog friendly comedy night

Edinburgh’s top street food hang-out and leading comedy producers Gilded Balloon have today announced a brand new partnership, bringing the city’s funniest night out to Edinburgh Street Food.

The one that started it all: Edinburgh Science Festival announces its new Director

Edinburgh Science Festival drew its 35th anniversary edition to a close last weekend and now announces its new Director, Hassun El-Zafar, and dates for the 2025 Festival.

Pomegranates Festival kicks off next week

There’s just one week to go before the Pomegranates Festival of International Traditional Dance (25-30 April) kicks off at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and various venues across Edinburgh.

Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.

Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The popular Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter, with even more opportunities to get a taste of the finest Scottish fare!

Cineword celebrates Danny Boyle

Cineworld Edinburgh celebrates the acclaimed British director Danny Boyle from May 7th to May 28th with a limited time big screen re-release of four of his classic titles at only £5 per ticket!

Johnnie Walker Princes Street Introduces Sunrise Yoga Experience

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is inviting guests to find their flow and embark on a journey of tranquility and connectivity with its latest offering, Sunrise Yoga on 3rd May!

Red Carnation Unveils 100 Princes Street, a historically rich new hotel in Edinburgh

Red Carnation Hotels, the family-owned hotel collection, proudly announces the opening of its latest masterpiece and first property in Scotland, 100 Princes Street.

Edinburgh Zoo named best zoo in Scotland

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

Ambassador Theatre Group becomes ATG Entertainment

Ambassador Theatre Group (“ATG”), a leading live entertainment organisation, and owner of the Edinburgh Playhouse, today announced that it is rebranding as ATG Entertainment.

New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle

Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.

First Look and opening date confirmed for The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh

RUSK & RUSK, the independent Scottish restaurant group, today shares first look impressions of The Spanish Butcher, Edinburgh, and confirms it will officially open on Friday 10th May.

New Edinburgh Dog Friendly Brunch Spot Opens Today

Sip & Bark is opening its doors today on Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, with a delicious brunch offering, a selection of cocktails and fine wines, plus it’s dog friendly!

Port Edgar Open Weekend is back with a splash as it celebrates 10th Anniversary

The annual Open Weekend returns to Port Edgar, the largest watersports and activity centre in Scotland, for a special 10th-anniversary event on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May!

Kinky Boots struts into Edinburgh

Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting into Edinburgh in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!

Laser Station Teams Up with Cash For Kids for Fundraising Event

Laser Station will be hosting an exciting fundraising event from April 22nd to April 28th, aimed at raising funds to support Cash For Kids initiatives.

Lloyds Early Careers event coming to Edinburgh

Lloyds Banking Group is hosting a free event on Saturday 13th April in Edinburgh for young people wanting to explore the wide range of careers options available in the banking industry.

Owen Thompson MP visits Newtongrange inspiring community garden to mark Community Garden Week

Volunteers at the Newtongrange Community Garden were delighted to welcome a special visitor on Tuesday 2nd April - Owen Thompson MP.

Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.

New UNIQLO store to open on Princes Street on 25th April 2024

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO will open its doors to Edinburgh’s highly anticipated store on 25 April 2024, with the arrival marks the regeneration of the shopping scene in Scotland’s capital.

Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.

POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores

This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is Back with Breakfast 7 days a week and Kids Eat Free the Easter Break

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is thrilled to announce the return of breakfast service seven days a week and to celebrate KIDS EAT FREE for the Easter break!

Cracking line up of cinematic classics and big screen blockbusters at Vue this April

A fantastic range of brand-new blockbusters, haunting horrors, theatre productions and all-time action classics lead the roster of releases heading to Vue this April.

Edinburgh Folk Club looks to future with wealth of musical talent and annual Songwriting Competition

Edinburgh Folk Club’s weekly folk, roots and acoustic nights are set to continue into the spring and summer, along with the return of their annual Songwriting Competition.

Over 65 shows announced by Gilded Balloon for Fringe 2024

Gilded Balloon have today added over 65 shows for 2024’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe line-up including Michelle Braiser and Mhairi Black!

New figures reveal the growing popularity of Edinburgh Resident Rewards scheme

More than 5,400 people took advantage of exclusive offers available only to residents within the City of Edinburgh Council area last year.

Elaine C. Smith joins the star cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in Edinburgh

Elaine C. Smith will play the role of The Childcatcher in the new production of the most fantasmagorical musical of all time, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it comes to Edinburgh Playhouse!

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Head to head bike racing is at the heart of the Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival

Exhilarating head to head bike racing is at the heart of the family focused Eliminator Mountain Bike Festival weekend from Friday 31 August to Sunday 02 September.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings