THE Hadleigh Park International returns to Essex this weekend as some of the cycling's greatest stars descend on the county.

The prestigious international biking event returns to Hadleigh Park on Saturday and Sunday, following its success last summer.

Free for all, the competition is the only UCI Mountain bike rated event in the country, with the Hadleigh Park Cycling Festival also a big lure for local sports fanatics.

Keely Bunton, Hadleigh Park project officer, said: “It is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our mountain biking tracks during the Hadleigh International.

“Local residents can also find out more about what we can offer cyclists of every age and ability during our cycling festival.

“We hope to welcome lots of visitors to join in the fun atmosphere and cheer on some of the world’s best mountain bikers.”

The free event will see competitors from around the world come to the 2012 Olympic mountain biking course as part of an international series of competitions.

It kicks off on Saturday at 10am with the youth girls race, with the youth boys race at 11am.

The under-12s race is between 12 and 12:45pm before the big guns descend upon the park on Sunday.

The women’s junior race begins at 9.30am and the men’s junior race at 11am.

The women’s elite race begins at 1pm, with the men’s showpiece event starting at 3pm.

One of the frontrunners will be Manuel Fumic, who finished seventh last year for Cannondale Factory Racing.

To celebrate the cycling event, Hadleigh Park will host a festival for residents, families and children to find out more about mountain bike racing.

Over the weekend, the Safer Essex Roads Team will be on hand to showcase different bikes to visitors, share tips on road safety and bike maintenance.

There will be cycling related games and challenges in the festival area, plus incredible live stunts and tricks performed by the MAD Mountain Bike Display Team.

The Salvation Army will give free demonstrations in how to check your bike is in good working order.

With parking restrictions limited to Hadleigh International event pass holders only, a park and ride bus service will operate from the School Lane Car Park for all other visitors and spectators.

Booking in advance is essential, via the Hadleigh Park website. For more information visit hadleigh-park.co.uk/event/hadleigh-park-international/