MacInnis Looby won his second straight race on Sunday in Bermuda Bicycle Association's Mountain Bike series - an event which only got underway after riders helped clear the Hog Bay Park course of fallen trees, a result of the recent windy weather.

A fast start was the order of the day with Brian Steinhoff setting such a pace on the main descent that it took eventual winner Looby two laps to get up to his back wheel.

"I was in awe at how fast and carefree Steinhoff rode this part of the course," said Looby. "We were together for two more laps after that, then I think my road race fitness gave me that extra push to open up the gap."

Chris Conway took third place with Peter Matcham less than a minute behind in fourth.

Carl Outerbridge, who was racing a mountain bike for the first time after switching from road bike racing, showed his promise by winning the novice category.

Outerbridge said afterwards it had been a good experience and he was looking forward to this week's race at Hog Bay when he will move up to the Open category after seeing off Maynard Packwood by 40 seconds.

He was followed by David Chapman and Kenneth Darrell, who had to stop and get assistance from a race marshall to fix a mechanical problem while watching everyone pass him.

In the 15 to 16 age group, Kyle Smith won his race with another strong ride. As these riders started with the Open category, he did well to stay with Conway and Steinhoff for much of the race.

No women showed up for the race but in the women's category point series there remains a tight battle between Julia Hawley and Wenda Godfrey, both riders having won a race each.

This Sunday's race, also at Hog Bay in Somerset, will see Matcham, who won the first downhill event by half a second over Steinhoff, resume his quest for the downhill title.