Things are looking pretty good for the 2009 Skins Alpine Epic. In fact we only have space for 15 more teams... so if you're thinking about entering you better get cracking, or you could miss out on the most exciting thing to hit Sherwood Hall in decades.

Last day for entries, if not already full, will be the 20th January 2009.

Thanks to Skins we've got 4 sets of Skins apparel to give away. All teams entered and fully paid by 30 November were eligible for the draw. The winners are:

• Gareth Hargreaves and Elaine Rose;
• Simon Harper and Gianluca Valsenti;
• Blair Struthridge and Craig Phillips; and
• Megan Dimonzantos and Sadie Parker-Wynyard.

Congratulations, some Skins product will be in the mail shortly. If you missed out, there will be more chances to win during the event.

Sockguy and Cycletech have come on board as our latest sponsor. This means we are getting some cool custom socks made up, which everyone will get in their racepack. These are no ordinary socks either, we have been thrashing a few pairs around in the hills recently, and by jingo they're comfortable. Check out what they can do for you.

We've been out riding the course, drinking cups of tea and puncturing on matagouri. We've also discovered some great spots for a skinny dip.