MOUNTAIN bikers from across the UK are today getting ready to take part in a gruelling 24-hour event.

Eastnor Castle Deer Park, opposite Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, will play host to all the action as professionals and amateurs alike take on the tricky 7km course in groups of four and five and as single competitors.

The gates open at 8am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the race itself beginning at 2pm on Saturday, June 23, and finishing 24 hours later.

The last competitors are expected to cross the finish line at about 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

About 10,000 spectators are expected to make this year's event the biggest ever.

Visitors today will also be able to get stuck into the Giant Dirt Demo - the perfect chance to test the most up-to-date bikes from a whole range of suppliers at the country's biggest bike race.

Demo rides will be available all weekend from 9am, and visitors can pre-register on line at http://dirtdemo.singletrackworld.com.

Patrick Adams, partner in Pacific Edge Events Limited, organisers of the T-Mobile Giant Mountain Mayhem, is looking forward to the event getting under way.

Mr Adams said: "This year's T-Mobile Giant Mountain Mayhem has been a long-time in the planning once again and everything is set for a fantastic weekend's mountain biking. We have had brilliant support from our new co-title sponsors - T-Mobile and Giant - and the crowds can look forward to some exhilarating racing and a brilliant day out."

For more information visit www.mountainmayhem.org