SOME of the biggest names in Australian mountain biking will line up for this weekend’s Merida 24 Hour Race at Old Hidden Vale.

Men’s world and national champion, Jason English of New South Wales, and women’s national champion Jessica Douglas of Victoria will both be looking for wins in the event.

Victory will cement qualification for the World Solo Championships at Mount Stromlo in Canberra in October.

The 2010 Merida 24 Hour MTB Race is open to competitive and recreational classes with several categories including solo riders and teams of two, four, six and eight.  Competitive classes also include teams of three for one female and two male riders.

Event organiser Peter Creagh said this year’s event was shaping up to be the biggest yet with more than 270 riders already registered.

“The race has established itself as one of the premier mountain biking events on the Australian cycling calendar which is why riders of the calibre of Jason and Jessica have come to South East Queensland,” he said.

“Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat is already completely booked out on for the event and campsites are filling up fast.”

Mr Creagh said the top 50 per cent of solo riders would qualify for the World Solo Championship with a minimum of 10 male and five female riders to be selected.

“The top 50 per cent of the overall field will qualify in the elite class for the WSC along with the top half of each age category and single speed category,” he said.

The Merida 24 Hour MTB Race is an endurance event that takes place over a 24 hour period.  Participants compete as individuals or within teams comprised of three to eight members supported by a pit crew.

The event is hosted on the Old Hidden Vale Station which features of 50km of purpose built single track.

Racing begins noon Saturday.