The 2008 National Mountain Biking Championships, sponsored by Winners Edge Bike Shop, will take place tomorrow at Ferry Reach Park in St. George and perennial powerhouse Garth Thomson remains the favorite to take the overall men's title.

Despite participating in only one of the winter off road races while training for a spring marathon run in Boston,

Thomson's domination of the January 8 race at Ferry Reach suggests that running has not hindered his abilities on a mountain bike. Pressing him on will be his RMS teammates Mark Hatherley and Neil de Ste Croix, plus Wayne Scott and Grant Goudge.

While the challengers all present strengths in either climbing, power or handling, the defending champion Thomson combines it all and, barring the mechanical issues that have plagued him in the past, he will be the man to beat.

In the Open women's category Thomson's sister-in-law, Kim McMullen remains the sole competitor while the competition in the women's Novice category remains intense.

Warwick Academy teacher Sarah Bonnett has dominated the events she has entered this year but will be pushed by series leader Sarah Jordan, Sheila Ruse and Louise Wakefield who are still fighting for the standings in the nine-race series.

The men's Intermediate race should be the largest group on the technical east end course that takes in the Martello Tower, Lovers Lake and a section of the railway trail. Adding to the group will be Winners Edge co-owner Paulo Madeiros, one of the earlier advocates and supporters of mountain biking in Bermuda.

Commenting on the course and competition, Madeiros said: "Ferry Reach is the most technical track for mountain biking in Bermuda and on that course almost anything can happen, one minute you have a good lead and then next you slide of the track into the bushes".

And again a battle of skills and fitness will be contested in the Novice category by Scott Mello (skills) and Riaan Naude (fitness).

Last week at Hog Bay Park Naude came out ahead of his rival but that was on a relatively non-technical course while Ferry Reach has few sections for pure fitness.

Approximately 20 children are expected to contest age-group awards.

Winners Edge has been the sponsor of this national championships since it was started over 10 years ago.

Speaking of Winners Edge's role as sponsor of the event, Madeiros commented, "The shop has always had an interest in mountain biking and being associated with the national championships is a good way for us to continue support the sport at many levels".

Following the conclusion of the mountain biking season the Bermuda Bicycle Association will shift its focus to an active road race season that starts with a hill climb series on March 16 as well the new initiative of Cycling For All.

Events in the CFA group will be open to anyone in Bermuda who wishes to participate in group riding. February 10 will be the first CFA ride and will depart from Albouy's Point at 9.00 a.m. with groups set for different distances, speeds and abilities.