Veteran rider Neil de ste Croix took the full advantage of reigning champion Garth Thomson's absence to take honours in the opening race in the Conrad's Mountain Bike series last Sunday on the fast course at Hog Bay.

In perfect conditions it was however recently crowned "Hill Climb Champion" Mark Hatherley who set the early pace pulling away from the field in the first two laps of the demanding course as he attempted to gap the field before settling into his pace for the remainder of the race. The hard pace actually worked against him as he was left in oxygen debt and unable to respond as de ste Croix capitalised on the situation riding away from the field to cross the finish line over a minute ahead of Hatherley. Grant Goudge suffered a broken chain but was able to effect a repair to finish the race although a lap or two down.

In the very competitive Intermediate Category, it was road specialist Wayne Scott using his superior fitness to hold of National Duathlon Champion, Norbert Meyer (second place) and the hard-charging Ed Jordan (third place).

In the Novice division newcomer Peter Dunne took the honours ahead of first time rider, Wayne Robertson and Dion Tucker.

It was encouraging to see a surge in the Novice women's division with Sarah Jordan capitalising on her race experience to finish in first place with Sheila Ruse finishing second, newcomer Louise Wakefield in third and Kim Day placing fourth.

It is expected that that the presence of the newcomers to the division will put pressure on Jordan who has been relatively unchallenged over the last few seasons.

Marc Godfrey took the honours in the 13-14 boys, Natan Amaral took the 11-12 boys division. In the girls 10 and under it was the experienced Elizabeth Jordan who placed first with novice rider Laura Salmon finishing not only in second place but with a smile on her face, despite suffering mechanical difficulties.

The boys under-10 division saw four boys battle for honours with Justin Ferriera once again showing he will be the one to beat again this season. Josh Stephenson but up a spirited performance to finish in second with Ryan Day in third and first time rider Josh Robertson in fourth.

This weekend's race will be on the short but technical Admiralty House course. With Thomson's absence the open category will see a close battle for the points.

Further details on the 2006/7 season can be found at www.bermudabicycle.org.