The classes are over and now it is time to see what the students have learned as the Bermuda Bicycle Association stage the first of eight mountain bike races tomorrow with Admiralty Park the venue for the Island's off-road specialists.

Reigning national champion Brian Steinhoff and Peter Matcham will be sure to renew their battle for top spot, and with a couple of new riders on the Island since last season, plus the debut of top female road racer, Julia Hawley, this weekend's races should offer plenty of excitement.

One of the driving forces behind the sport, Peter Matcham, who helped run a skills clinic last weekend at Admiralty Park, says he was impressed by the turn-out, particularly from junior riders and he believes they may be the ones to watch.

"We had about 30 riders show up for the clinic," said Matcham. "They were mostly juniors because I guess a lot of the senior riders don't feel like they need instruction."

Assisted by Steinhoff during the clinic, Matcham explained that they covered a number of riding skills during the two-hour session.

"We worked on a number of handling skills and techniques and Brian did a lot of demonstrations, including how to crash properly, which the kids really enjoyed. This is our fourth season and it is looking very promising."

The Admiralty Park course offers plenty of challenges for the riders with tight turns, technical single track sections through the undergrowth, steep descents, including log steps as well as some fast open areas over a loop course of just under a mile.

Matcham stresses that the age of the rider dictates the length of their race.

"Our youngest 10 and under riders just do two laps and then we work our way up to the seniors who will do nine laps. The longest race will be about 45 minutes, I guess."

Matcham was pleased to hear that Hawley would be making her first appearance on the off-road racing scene.

"Its great that Julia is coming out. We have had quite a few women racing in the past and it is good for the sport. We also have a couple of new riders on the Island since last year, one from England and one from California. Hopefully they will come out too," he said.

Racing gets underway at 9 a.m. but riders must register at 8.30 a.m. and the event is open to all categories.

Season schedule:

December 9: Admiralty House Park, Race 1 (XC)

December 16: Hog Bay Park, Races 2 & 3 (DH and XC)

December 30: Ferry Point Park, Race 4 (XC)

January 6: Great Head Park, Race 5 (XC)

January 13: Hog Bay Park, Races 6 & 7 (DH and XC)

January 27: Ferry Point Park, Race 8 (XC)

February 3: Surprise Course, Race 9 (XC)

February 10: Ferry Point Park, Race 10 (XC)

National championships

Note: XC - cross country; DH - Downhill.