...I currently compete in mountain biking competitions...
What kind of MTB racing do you do? XC, enduro's, DH or something else? What kind of bike(s) do you have? I'm a very keen mountain biker too although I don't participate in competitions that much. My current bike is an Ibis Mojo SL.
Hi Portti,
I only started getting into mountain biking last year after doing a duathlon with a mountain biking friend (I ran, he biked). I had not ridden a bike for 20 years (honest!) and he managed to import me a limited edition KTM/Magura test bike. I updated the XT pods and rear mech to XTR and did an initial 23 mile bike ride (castle bike ride). I came quite well placed given it was my first attempt. I then moved onto the 100 mile South Down Way endurance! I got through it but it was flipping hard work (13 hours in the saddle!).
I then started training for the 80 mile South Downs Way night endurance event and managed to break two ribs in two places messing around jumping (or not!) off a wall on the bike. I rested for a week (

) and then managed light training. I did the ride but was well below par!
I am currently training for the June 27th South Downs Way endurance event (spinning 3 days a week, biking one day, weights twice a week) and will be a lot sharper, unless I break something else.

I have just managed to get a wickedly priced Pinarello Paris (my friend again) so will also be doing quite a bit of road work in preparation for the events this year.