Garth Thomson ended Neil de ste. Croix's unbeaten streak in the Men's 'A' Division as he won his first race of the Conrad Mountain Bike Series on Sunday at Hog Bay Park on a new lengthened course.

Reigning 'A' national champion Thomson, making only his second appearance of the season, triumphed in the first race since the Christmas break as organisers continued to find new courses on long established venues.

De ste. Croix had won the first three races of the series.

Returning to Hog Bay Park for the second time this season, riders faced a new figure eight loop which when unveiled was described by some as "brutal" with two steep climbs and descents that made it hard for competitors to gain recovery time.

Thomson raced to the front once the flag dropped and went into the first downhill in the lead closely followed by de ste. Croix.

Just behind were Grant Goudge and Mark Hatherley with Paul Jacks chasing.

The front four stayed close through the first lap before Thomson and de ste Croix pulled away and then Thomson established a cushion and never relinquished the lead.

In the Men's 'B' Division, Norbert Meyer was out to continue his winning streak. He had not, however, counted on newcomer Freddie Phillips to be with him throughout the race.

Phillips and friend Dion Graham came straight off a seven-hour stint on the bikes the day before, with the pair preparing for the Cape Epic – an eight-day mountain bike race in South Africa, known for its toughness.

Phillips showed no ill effects and stayed in contact with Meyer before moving into the lead and taking the win.

Youngster Alex Godfrey took a creditable third while Rickai Lightbourne, despite breaking his chain during the warm-up, grabbed fifth place. The Female 'A' Division win was taken by expert Kim Naude followed by the fast-improving Sarah Bonnet.

Sarah Jordan took the flag in the 'B' class and the female 13-16 division saw the return to action of Gabriella Arnold who rode well to hold off points leader Elizabeth Jordan. Courtney Day took the Under-12 win.

Normal service resumed in the boys' 12 and under racing but with Daniel Hetzel missing, the Oatley brothers, Daniel and Christian, took the top two spots with Joshua Stephenson third.

Racing continues on January 25 at Ferry Reach, starting at 8.30 a.m.