FIFTEEN teams of riders took part in the Velo Club’s first ever night race. Held at Les Norgiots and lasting two hours, riders took turns to complete a lap of the course before handing over a luminescent baton to their team mate waiting in the transition area.

The pairing of Gary Robert and Ben Walden dominated from start to finish and took first place ahead of Ben Burtenshaw and Matt Osborn.

In a separate duel event riders went head-to-head down a twisting, muddy course having to negotiate turns and drops side by side.

After an initial elimination round to sort the riders into two groups, it was Jimmy Carling who showed off his superior bike handling skills to take the A group victory from runner-up James Roe. The B section was won by Pierre Lowe.

Organisers of the event had also built several large wooden obstacles to challenge the riders’ low-speed balance and bike handling skills. Following a suggestion by several riders, obstacles were altered and an impromptu freestyle course was arranged.

The more skilful lined up to take turns launching themselves off various ramps and drops to the amusement of spectators.

Based on height and perceived style in the air, a panel of judges awarded points to each rider over four attempts at the course.

Some dazzling manoeuvres were made mid air, with all the riders surpassing themselves.

The eventual winners of the two separate categories were Carling and James Mapley.