Forestry Commission - News - champ gives thumbs up for 7stanes

The world's number one woman mountain biker has given a big thumbs up to the 7stanes trails found in the south of Scotland.

During a week long visit, Celine Gros, visited a number of trails in Dumfries and Galloway and in the Scottish Borders. Her verdict on the 7stanes: "absolutely brilliant!"

Celine was so taken by her visit that she plans to change her training routine and spend a whole month over in Scotland during the winter off-season period.

"I've had a fantastic week on the 7stanes trails" she said. "The motivation and enthusiasm of all the people that I've met over here has been great - it's no wonder things are happening. There's all sorts of riding on offer from freeriding, downhill and cross country so there's a big choice.

"My first stop at the Red Bull Project Downhill course in Innerleithen was great. The new downhill trail is amazing, just awesome. At the moment I'd rate the site as one of the best in Europe. If it gets all the development as planned it will surely rate as one of the best in the world.

"I visited Mabie forest and had a go at the Kona Dark Side timber trail - that was scary! I loved to bits the Kirroughtree trail in Galloway - it mixed technical riding with some hairy rock riding. The trails are absolutely brilliant and I'll be doing my bit to spread this message to bikers abroad."

Celine toured the 7stanes centres with Karl Bartlett, the manager of the project. "She's an amazing rider and a great personality. She's got a really busy competition schedule ahead of her in locations all over the world. We're really pleased that she'll be wearing the new 7stanes jersey and flying the flag for us."

Currently five out of the 7stanes centres are open for business at Mabie, Kirroughtree, Dalbeattie, Newcastleton and in the Tweed Valley. In early summer, a brand new singletrack trail in Ae forest will be launched and a new cycle touring route at Glentrool forest in Galloway will be opened. More details at www.7stanes.gov.uk.

Notes to news editors

1. The 7stanes have teamed up with The Cycle Jersey company to produce a new biking jersey. Log on to www.thecyclejersey.com. for more information.

2. Media enquiries: Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.