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Mark Leishman and Nic Leary say it's the punk of mountainbiking and like the music its popularity has grown over time.

With less than a week to go until the 2010 Singlespeed Mountainbiking Championships get under way, the Rotorua couple say they are looking forward to the big event.

More than 1000 riders from 30 countries are set to take part in the event including Rotorua rider Julian Dean.

This will be Leishman's third singlespeed competition but the first time he has entered the world champs.

"I guess you can call it the punk of mountainbiking - back when it all got started not too many people were interested in singlespeed but now like punk it has become fashionable."

Leishman said it's the simplicity of singlespeed which makes it so much fun.

"It's all about having fun - getting dressed up, having a few beers and racing just for the hell of it."

Riders have to navigate down a course on a single-geared mountainbike as fast as possible. They have the option of taking a short cut, but the rider must scull a beer before taking the short cut. The prize for the winning man and woman is a tattoo, which is the singlespeed community's version of the rainbow jersey.

Leishman, who celebrated his 32nd birthday at the weekend by winning the Whaka 100, said he would definitely be using the short cuts.

"That's where I'll be getting my fluid intake. If you take energy drinks and drink beer you tend to get sick. It's a goal of mine to win an event."

Leary said the pair had already decided what their costumes for the event would be but wanted to keep it a secret until the day.

"Costumes are an essential part of the competition. You don't have to wear one but you'd look pretty stupid to turn up in your proper racing gear."