TWEEDLOVE has reached the end of the trail.

After 14 years of promoting mountain biking and cycling in the Tweed Valley and surrounding area, the Peebles-based bike events programme came to a close on the weekend.

Its final enduro race – which was also the final round of the British National Enduro Series – was held in Innerleithen and attracted 670 competitors from across the UK.

TweedLove founder Neil Dalgleish said: “It’s been a weekend of mixed emotions for our team, but the event itself has been fantastic – a sold-out start list, a wonderful bunch of participants and even the weather was great.

“It’s been a privilege to create and manage TweedLove over the last 15 years.

“I’m really proud of the impact we’ve had, and all the good times we’ve been able to share with tens of thousands of like-minded bike riders.”

Mr Dalgleish made a detailed statement in August outlining the reasons behind the decision to wrap TweedLove up.

He blamed a combination of factors including costs since Covid, a lack of public sector support and a decline in bike industry sponsorship.

The absence of TweedLove’s year-round event programme is expected to have an impact on tourism in the area.

Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler said: “TweedLove has been a huge draw for cycling enthusiasts locally, nationally and from across the world. Neil and the team have made this happen, supported by many volunteers and most local community organisations. It is a matter of fact that the events have brought a significant benefit to the local economy and boosted tourism.

“The lasting legacy from TweedLove events is an increased participation in cycling across all ages and abilities in Peebles and Tweeddale which has real and long-term benefits for our health and our environment. You will be very much missed, but thank you, Neil, and thank you everyone who has been involved in TweedLove.”

Fastest on the day in the men’s categories was Henry Timewell, still racing at under 21 level, but a solid 10 seconds ahead of any of the more experienced athletes.

For the women, Polly Henderson showed her dominance, winning every stage and despite losing her chain on stage one, still finished over a minute faster than her nearest rival.

The weekend was not without its emotional moments, as riders said goodbye to what has been a much-loved series of events since 2010.

Some racers who took part in the very first TweedLove enduro joined the start line for this final one too.