Just over 1,000 mountain bikers braved freezing conditions and snowy tracks in the now legendary Strathpuffer 24 endurance race near Contin in the Highlands at the weekend.
Despite the sub-zero temperatures, 17 hours of darkness and a truly gruelling off-road course, 1,001 riders were on the ‘Puffer start line – a record for the event, which was marking its 13th anniversary.
A spokesman said: “It takes a special kind of crazy person to sign up for a 24-hour mountain bike event in the middle of winter in the Scottish Highlands yet the ‘Puffer is more popular than ever before.
“This year’s glorious band of mountain bike fiends include an inspirational mix of young people, hardcore endurance athletes, fit families, high profile business people, and local entrepreneurs.
“Their goals for the ‘Puffer may differ yet every one of this year’s 1,001 entrants were united by a desire to challenge their personal limits, to have an adventure, and to take part in a unique, iconic, and friendly event.
“They’re a seriously determined and motivated bunch who embody the true spirit of Scottish mountain biking and outdoor adventure.”
The event’s main winners were a team called “Are you sure about this?”, made up of Robbie Mitchell, Liam Beaty, Colin Stevenson, Terence Lockerby.
Second was FEC Edinburgh, followed by Yorkshire Gold and Clydesdale Colts.
Recent freezing conditions ensured the course was covered in a layer of ice and snow.
The ‘Puffer started in 2005, initially as a one-off event, but it grew huge support and is now one of the biggest mountain bike events in the UK.
It attracts competitors from across the globe, and has been included in the US Bike magazine’s top 10 toughest mountain bike events on the planet.
