Not only did the riders have to battle fatigue and cramp on the four cross-country courses on offer, they also had to contend with extremely tricky riding conditions following three days of unrelenting rain.

"It was a shame we had so much rain in the days leading up to Sunday," said event organiser John Lloyd, "and it did present us with a few problems.

"However, there's nothing that you can do about it, and the resilience of the riders and their supporters never ceases to amaze me."

This is the fifth successive year the Scottish leg of the Merida MTB Marathon Series has been based at Selkirk Rugby Club's Philiphaugh ground, and although the heavy rain turned the tented village on the back pitch into a muddy quagmire, it was business as usual for stall holders and sponsors.

The introduction of a 25km course this year was a big success, with 70 riders signing up for the shorter route. "It proved a very popular option," said local course designer Pete Laing. "The trail took in parts of Philiphaugh Estate, Bowhill and Broadmeadows, and I'm very grateful to all the land owners and the Bowhill Rangers Service for their co-operation and support."

Although the number of entrants was slightly down on last year, Mr Lloyd remains committed to the Selkirk event.

He said: "The Merida series comprises five events, and in our poll of riders it was the Selkirk course which came out as the most popular of the five. We definitely aim to be back next year, and can only hope that the weather will be a bit kinder to us."

Selkirk Rugby Club president George Thomson said that the Merida event and riders were very welcome visitors to Philiphaugh.

He told us: "The club has struck up a good relationship with John Lloyd and his team over the past four years, and we're delighted to offer riders and their families the use of the club's facilities," he added.

"Selkirk RFC's club steward Allan Seal deserves great credit for the way he looks after all the Merida campers and riders over the whole weekend, and I'd also like to thank those Selkirk Rugby Club players and committee members who willingly volunteered their services as marshals out on the course."

A provisional date of Sunday, August 2, has already been pencilled in for next year's event.