Riders ready for biking marathon

Mountain bikers from around the world will compete in the event

About 350 riders from around the world are gearing up for the first ever Trans Scotland mountain bike race.

The gruelling event gets under way in Selkirk on Sunday and will pass through Moffat, Dalbeattie, New Abbey and Peebles in the space of a week.

The seven stages of the cross-Scotland race cover 311 miles (498km) and include climbs totalling some 46,300ft (14,100m).

It follows the success of a similar event staged in Wales last year.

International competitors

The event is run like a car rally with a series of timed and linking stages.

Racing gets under way on Sunday with a stage from Selkirk to Moffat.

Competitors from France, Italy, Belgium, America and Hong Kong are among those taking part.

The event concludes with its final stage on 2 June from Peebles back to Selkirk.