A MOUNTAIN bike course designed to put the best to the test is almost ready for action.

The Forestry Commission is putting the finishing touches to a four-mile cross-country championship route in its 8,600-acre estate at Dalby Forest, near Pickering.

And next year it will be used to stage the Nissan UCI Cross-Country Mountain Bike World Cup in if an ambitious bid is successful.

Dalby Forest is British Cycling's preferred venue to host the global event, and has beaten off stiff competition from elsewhere in the UK to put it in poll position.

Their bid for it will go to international cycling's governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale shortly and a decision is expected in June.

The course will be put to the test for the first time on May 10 when it is used for the British Mountain Bike Race Series. Racing gets underway from 10am. There will also be exhibitors and biking displays, based at the Adderstone area of Dalby Forest.

Forest management director Alan Eves said: "The new trail is a big investment for the future giving Dalby Forest a world class competition route which can be used time-and-time again.

"With big climbs, fast descents and technically demanding features, we're confident it will live up to its billing as a course for the sport's elite."

More than 2,000 tonnes of locally-sourced stone has been used to surface the all-weather trail. Sustainable building techniques have also been used to make it more durable.

Environmental assessments were also undertaken to ensure bikers steer clear of sensitive wildlife and archaeological sites.

The trail will be incorporated into Dalby’s existing mountain bike network, opened in 2007 at a cost of £400,000.

Parts of the World Cup course will be open for public use, but other sections will be off limits and reserved for top flight competitions.