NEWNHAM Park was the location for members of the Mid Devon Cycling Club over the weekend as they took part in the first round of the Southwest Mountain Bike XC Series.

Meanwhile some senior riders took part in a high-calibre race at RNAS Merryfield and there were youth riders contesting the second round of their winter series in Bath.

In the Under 8 category, Jensen Scott secured 2nd place at Newnham Park, kickstarting his winter mountain bike racing season. His sister, Darcie, finished in 7th place in the Under 10s.

In the Under 14 category, James Allen earned a well-deserved victory. Matt Holmes had a busy weekend of racing, achieving 3rd place in the Under 16 boys' race. Andy Taylor finished 6th in the Vet 50-59 category.

Three of MDCC’s Under 16 boys travelled to Bath to compete in a strong field on a lovely sunny day. With all the boys closely monitoring each other, the race pace was initially slow.

Matt Holmes attempted to break away a couple of times, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The race came down to the last lap, with two local Bath riders taking a one-two, final results were Bayley Woodger in 5th, Meryn Ketching in 6th, and Matt Holmes in 11th.

Some of the senior riders also participated in the Royal Navy Cup, organized by the South West Road Race Work Group, which is a National B covering 120 km.

James Williams finished in 41st place, while James Pearcy came in 80th overall. Additionally, Robert Hoge had a strong finish with a win in the 4th Cat support race, accompanied by club mate Caio Waters, who placed 12th.