Olympic MTB opportunities ..

Check out an exclusive interview with Olympic Development Programme Coach Phil Dixon as he discusses how Great Britain is preparing its new breed of talent for 2012.

There are still opportunities to get involved before the London spectacular. Fancy some inspiration? Take a look at the interview on British Cycling.

Meanwhile, as many wind down their mountain-biking pursuits, for a good few others the winter months provide some key training opportunities for next year's events, with Easter's Cape Epic likely to test both mental and physical ability for its brave participants.

Isporty founder Chris Ward recently completed the 2007 Trans Rockies event. And seemingly undaunted by some more extreme mountain-bike endurance, follow his Cape Epic blog as he begins early preparations.

Chris will be keeping you posted as the weeks and months pass.

Cape Epic preparations begin ..

While many may be winding down their mountain-biking pursuits, for a good few others the winter months provide some key training opportunities for next year's events, with Easter's Cape Epic likely to test both mental and physical ability for its brave participants.

Isporty founder Chris Ward (on the right of this picture with teammate Bill Gilbert) recently completed the 2007 Trans Rockies event. And seemingly undaunted by some more extreme mountain-bike endurance, follow his Cape Epic blog as he begins early preparations.

Chris will be keeping you posted as the weeks and months pass.

MTB winter warmers ..

The brave souls are out in force at this time of the year, and there were a few on show last for the Marin Winter Enduro Round 1 at Thetford. Click here for the latest action and photos.

Still seeking a bit of inspiration, then check out the latest issue of Mountain Bike Rider, which features amongst other things Northumberland trails, product testing and all your winter events.

2007: What's your opinion? ..

Impressed? Disgusted? Elated? Downright ripped off?

It's time to get it all off your chest for Singletrack World's annual review of the year. Follow the link to give a shout for what was flash and what was crash about the past year - you may even get yourself in print!

Meanwhile, Trail Break's winter event season gets itself underway this week. Check out a number of rides throughout the dark months - it's either that or staying in watching 'The Santa Claus' ..

Autumn rides ..

No danger of leaves on the line with the latest issue of Singletrack World which features, amongst other things, "a dozen pages of jaw-dropping photos capturing every essence of our great sport from around the world".

Also remember to check out double World Champion Sam Hill (pictured) as he tackles a test track in Wales, courtesy of Dirt Mag.

The same website are also offering his race jersey that day as a prize.

And if that's not enough for you, the latest issue of the mag is out now.

Deep breaths now ...

Sam Hill vid ...

Check out double World Champion Sam Hill (pictured) as he tackles a test track in Wales, courtesy of Dirt Mag.

The same website are also offering his race jersey that day as a prize.

And if that's not enough for you, the latest issue of the mag is out now.

Deep breaths now ...

Friday PM: MTB - getting started

Isporty often hears of sports enthusiasts who are searching for a foot on the ladder of their chosen pursuit. To help, the BBC have come up with an introduction to mountain biking giving you the lowdown on how and where to get started.

If that has inspired, check out the latest from British Cycling as they update the latest MTB news and events.