As expected racing was fast and furious on Sunday in race nine of the Conrad?s Mountain Bike Series held on the difficult and exposed Ferry Reach course.

Competitors not only battled each other but also Mother Nature who provided winds of 30 to 40 knots with even higher gusts.

In the Open category it was Neil de ste Croix who came out on top after battling with Dave Padega for five of the seven two-mile long laps.

Eventually it was de ste Croix?s stamina that helped him overcome Padega as he finished in a time of one hour, 24 minutes and 51 seconds with Padega only one minute and 15 seconds back.

Grant Goudge rode a steady race to overhaul fast starter Geoff Wing and record a solid third place finish. Matthew Godfrey placed fifth place with Connor Burns sixth.

Lone female Open rider Kim McMullen again opted to race the longer course, recording a time of 1:21:09 for six laps. Based on her current form, it is expected that she will compete for Bermuda in the Island Games being held in the Shetland Islands in July.

The veterans division saw Paulo Medeiros set a fast pace from the gun, leaving competitors in his wake. Medeiros completed the five long laps in a time of 1:09:11 with nearest rival, Fred Swan, finishing in 1:11:34.

Mannard Packwood held of Ian Fox for third spot with Edwin Jordan finishing fifth.

Mark Hatherley once again showed his dominance as he completed seven laps of the short course over four minutes ahead of Travis Cooper. Hatherley recorded a time of 55:40.

Nigel Godfrey placed third in a time of 1:08:42 and John Wineinger fourth in 1:20:05.

Tim Fox took honours in the 15-16 year old boys? division with Geoffrey Burns a distant second over the challenging long course.

Fox?s main rival, Ricky Sousa jr, was forced to watch from the sidelines after fracturing a bone in his hand earlier in the week. He is, however, expected to make this weekend?s start line for the National Championships.

Mark Smith won the 13-14 year old boys? division over six short laps in a time of 1:07:31. In the boys? under-10 group it was once again Neil Dane Wilson finishing first in a time of 28:54 over four mini laps.

At only eight years-old, Elizabeth Jordan showed her mettle by completing four of the mini laps in a creditable time of 35:27.

Sarah Jordan won the female novices? division in a time of 41:47 over three short laps.

This week?s race is the last of the season and also the Winner?s Edge National Championship Race on the Ferry Reach circuit.

Racing starts on Sunday at 9 a.m. with refreshments being provided for all athletes and spectators. Entry forms are available at Winner?s Edge and Sportseller and must be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday. Further information is available on www.bermudabicycle.org.