When the 'special events area' was chosen for the expansion of the way marked mountain bike trails at Cannock Chase, it looked like the 2009 Midlands Cross-Country race would be the last one there.

Thankfully with the help of the Forestry Commission and British Cycling a new area of Cannock Chase was secured for events and the series returned with a bang last year with a record number of riders attending including a certain Liam Killeen.

Run and Ride have crafted a suitably classic course for this Sunday’s race: "We’ve tried to include as much variety as possible in this year’s Cannock Chase course using a mix of forest and moorland trails, with the terrain varying from hardpack and gravel, to loam and dirt. And it wouldn't be Cannock without a healthy dose of off-camber roots!

	Race day notes - This race is now fully subscribed. There is no entry on the day available and no reserve list. - It's going to be a busy day, so allow time to sign on and pre-ride the course. - Car share if possible. Also, the nearest railway station is less than three miles away. - Camping is available on Saturday night with hard standing pitches and water available. - If you took part at round 1 don't forget to bring your number board with you! You will be charged for a replacement. - Gridding is based on results from Round 1. - Under 13's races are enter on the day only and get underway at 13.00 - Address: Takeroo Campsite, Penkridge Bank Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2UA

“From the start you’ll climb up into the arena giving plenty a time to stretch the field before looping around and entering the first single track. You will then complete 1km of contouring single track before re-entering the arena and passing the pit area. From here you head out onto a fast section of trail sweeping through the trees with two lines running parallel to each other for some Scalextric overtaking action!

“Through this singletrack and the course widens but remains within the trees traversing a hill side before dropping down into another single track heading towards the bottom of the valley. From here you’ll take a sharp left hand up a steep bank that really saps the legs! This is start of a section we’re calling the devil’s back. A mix of open wooded trails and single track, at times it goes down but I’m sorry to say it’s mainly up! This is the section you’ll find out exactly how fit you really are...

“Once you’ve finished climbing out of the valley you’ll enter another singletrack swooping through the tree’s, a small fast section of fire-road before the final climb to the finish. Oh yeah, finally, if you think the 29er’s had the advantage at Hicks Lodge then for this round it’s game on for the 26” crew!"

The elite men's race promises to be a fierce battle with CNP-Orbea, Hope Factory Racing and Torq Performance all fielding strong teams, while the veteran men's race is no less daunting - the biggest category with nearly 100 riders vying for the top spot. A fantastic number of ladies will be lining up for a Mothers’ Day with a difference.

Race day schedule

9am – Registration/Course Open

10.30am - Race 1 – Junior Men, Youth Men, Veteran Men, Grand Vet Men, All Female Categories, Juvenile

12.45pm - Presentation Race 1

1pm - Go Ride (Under 13′s activities)

2pm - Race 2 – Elite Men, Expert Men, Masters Men, Sport Men, Go race Men

4.15pm - Presentation Race 2