A MOUNTAIN biking track being built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games has been confirmed as the venue for next year's British Cross Country Championships.

Cathkin Braes, on Glasgow's southern boundaries, will host the final round of the key tournament on July 20 and 21.

The championships, organised by Scottish Cross Country, Scottish Cycling and Glasgow City Council, have been billed as a test event for the Commonwealth Games.

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Games, said: "This is a major event, backed by national and international governing bodies, which will attract top riders competing for the biggest prize in domestic cycling.

"The Championships are the jewel in the crown of a fantastic series of events across the UK, including a round at Hadleigh Farm, which produced two fantastic races during the Olympics. I'm delighted the sport is excited by the trails we are building at Cathkin – and I think this competition points the way to how the course will continue to boost sport in the city well beyond 2014."

Craig Burn, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: "It's fantastic to say that the British Cross Country Championships are coming to Scotland in 2013 and even better to say that this will serve as a test event for the 2014 Games."