THREE weeks into the mountain biking season the stage is set for the return of reigning champ Garth Thomson who will put his superior fitness to the test on the long stretches of Ferry Reach at the weekend.So far Neil de ste Croix and Dave Padega have shared the honours in the opening skirmishes at Hog Bay and Admiralty Park in what could be the most open championship for years.

Mark Hatherley was leading the last race until a flat let in Padega while de ste Croix says he's over a chest infection which slowed his progress in Spanish Point last time around.

And Thomson will need to pull out a big performance given that he has missed the first two races because of family issues back in his native Canada.

His friend and rival de ste Croix said: "Ferry Reach is the longest course at around 1.8 miles but Garth is very fit."

Thomson is one of a growing number of riders who trade road racing for mountain bike racing in the winter months — something which pays more dividends than just maintaining fitness said de ste Croix.

"Mountain biking definitely improves your bike handling skills. It makes a lot of sense for road racers to get out on the mountain bikes.

"You learn to react naturally if the bike slides. There is a lot of jumping around." He said even the top international riders were seeing the benefit of switching bikes.

Locally top road racer Wayne Scott is leading the male intermediate mountain bike series having dabbled but not committed in recent years.

And just this week Kimmie McMullen won female cyclist of the year following her exploits in the mud and grass of dirt racing.

"It is the first time someone who has focused on mountain biking has won it."

It is yet another sign that the sport has finally got a grip in Bermuda.

After several false starts the winter sessions have been running for around five years with 44 riders now involved.

Keen to capitalise on the success there will be junior development sessions at the Arboretum for the under nines on December 9 and 16.

Totally non-competitive, the idea is to ease young riders into the mountain biking under the watchful eye of more experienced racers.

They will then put their skills to the test in two races next year — set for January 6 and 13.