FORMER motocross rider Matt Davis produced the fastest time at the first round of the Holeshot-sponsored mountain biking downhill series in the rain and mud of the Dos d’Ane. Several days of heavy rain saw many of the course’s faster sections become slippery tortuous routes that caused many of the riders to part company from their bike.

The results indicated that experience and full suspension seemed to be necessary ingredients in the conditions, with the top three places being filled by senior riders Davis, defending champion Antony Renouf and Jason Le Page.

The majority of the junior riders struggled to find any grip and it was youngster Dan Owen who took an impressive fourth place.

The next round takes place in Herm on 16 May, when there will also be the first of a three-race duel series which sees riders go head-to-head down the same course.