Che’quan Richardson admits it will be a tough ask to retain his men’s title in the Winners Edge National Mountain Bike Championships at Ferry Reach on Sunday.

Richardson claimed his second title in last year’s race in Southlands, Warwick, but expects some stiff opposition from rivals Adam Kirk and Gary Raynor. “It’s going to be a tight game between the likes of myself, Adam and Gary,” Richardson said.

“Fitness-wise, all three of us are pretty close and I think it will come down to that one mistake someone makes that can change the whole dynamic of the race.”

By Richardson’s own admission, he has struggled for form this season, having competed in four races so far, and believes the “technical” Ferry Reach course will be particularly challenging.

“I’ve always been a good climber but some of the downhill sections that they’ve put in could be a bit more tricky,” said Richardson, who represents Bicycle Works.

“It may come down to fitness but I think the key will be having a smooth race and avoiding any accidents.

“I’ve not been in the best of form, but I’ve been feeling good of late and I’m starting to get to where I was last year.”

With the NatWest Island Games in Gotland, Sweden, in June, Richardson has an extra incentive to rediscover his mojo and wants to play his part in helping Bermuda team-mate Dominique Mayho win a medal.

Mayho won gold in the men’s Individual Town Centre Criterium in Jersey.

“I’ll be going there as a ‘helper’,” said Richardson, who competed at the mountain bike at the Island Games in Bermuda in 2013 and road race in Jersey in 2015.

“It would be nice for Dom to win a medal again. It would be fantastic if we can make sure he gets one of those.”

In last year’s championships, Eileen Mullowney won the women’s title, while Alyssa Rowse claimed victory in the junior female race.

Robin Horsefield was the winner of the junior male competition.