MORE than 150 cyclists on the Isle of Wight geared up for the final round of the Southern XC MTB Series at Cheverton Farm.
Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team hosted the adrenaline-packed event, which lured competitors from as far afield as Guernsey.
Team members Ewan Cook, Nicholas Earley, Alfie Haydon and Nadia Lele put on a good show, earning well-deserved podium spots in their categories.
Earley said: "It’s been a great series, so I’ll settle for second overall this year."
Meanwhile, Lele claimed victory in the Ladies Sport category and took the overall series title, saying "the course was challenging, yet enjoyable".
"I really enjoyed the series — and I hope next year there will be more women racing," Lele said.
Meanwhile, Finley Manser-Grundy marked his sixth birthday with a triumphant third overall finish in the U10 category.
After the race, an elated Finley said: "I did well by keeping the same pattern each lap and focusing on my gearing."
Allan Cook was forced to retire due to mechanical issues.
Yet, this did not dampen the team's spirit, as Cook and Haydon dominated the Open Junior category, while raising £300 for Mountbatten.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here