From the start Orano Andrews, defending his title, set off at a fast pace with Philippe Leroy in hot pursuit. However, Andrews held on to take the victory in a course record of 50:23. Photo: Tricia Kinkead

Sixty-three mountain bikers and supporters boarded the ferry in the morning and soon, after the course were marked and the water stops were in place, the adult mountain bikers were off.

The main race followed a two-lap hilly course with mixed terrain of concrete paved roads, dirt trails and some soft sandy sections along the south coast of Peter Island, past the windmills and around the Sunset Loop for a total distance of about 13 miles.  The fun/novice course followed a shorter two-lap course of about 5 miles.  

From the start last year’s winner Orano Andrews, defending his title, set off at a fast pace with Philippe Leroy in pursuit.  Both Andrews and Leroy were the favorites after their wins in last week’s National Time Trial and Jason Bally Road Race when Andrews broke the National Time Trial record and Leroy became the 2012 National Road Race Champion.  Andrews took the finish in a new record time for the course of 50 minutes 23 seconds with Leroy in second in a time of 51:07.

In the chase pack, Antony Spencer and Alistair Abrehart battled it out with Craig Bruntz and Clinton Simmond who came from Virgin Gorda for the event.  Antony Spencer eventually took 3rd place in a time of 1:01 with Abrehart in forth and Bruntz in fifth both in 1:06.  

Sally Blackmore picked up the pace on the second lap to improve her position taking sixth place overall in a time of 1:11.  An unfortunate slight lapse in concentration on a tricky part of the course resulted in a spill for Adrian Dale although he was able to finish the race in seventh place.

Newcomer Chris Potieger had a strong first lap but suffered a flat which allowed Dave Pettigrew, Tim Clipstone and Carolina Pettigrew to improve their positions.  Statius Talium lost three places when he also suffered a flat on the last half mile of the course.  

The two juniors Barney Nockolds and Jude Kinkead were pretty evenly paced on the course, along with our most senior competitor, Bill Kinkead, grandfather of Jude, who rode alongside his grandson most of the way.  Jim Cullimore rode a strong race and with Laurens Blok not far behind.  Patlian Johnson and Aurelie Legangneax, the third and forth women, rode good races and senior master Tom Merrigan enjoyed crossing the line together with grand master Mike Masters.  Sadly Clinton Simmond and Shane Roberts, who both rode strong races, took the wrong course so were recognized for finishing but couldn't be placed overall.  

The fun novice competitors, Nadia Menezes, Marc Downing, Amanda Georges and Thor Downing completed their 2 lap course together as a group and certainly showed that the category is aptly named as a fun event for any rider who wants to enjoy the sport of mountain biking without the pressure of "racing". Well done!

As the adults started their second lap the Cadet races got underway.  There were two courses, with the 9-12 year old cadets following a longer course along the sandy track to the helicopter landing pad while the younger 5-8 year old had a shorter route, apart from 8 year old Ella Tekelli who also did the long course. The cadets always enjoy the races and especially the prize giving where they all receive medals for their efforts.  

After the races, all the cyclists and supporters were treated to a fabulous breakfast buffet at the main Peter Island restaurant. This was followed by the prize giving ceremony. Medals were awarded to the top three cyclists in each category.

The prize giving concluded with a special award sponsored by Mike Masters.  “Since beginning cycling a few years ago I have been helped and encouraged by many other riders and has seen many generous acts of help and advice given to cyclists” commented Masters

In seeing the need for these key people to be recognized for what they are doing in a way that others could see he said he thought what better way than "Bike Bling".  The bike bling came in the form of a golden bike chain.  The first "Order of the Golden Chain" was presented to Orano Andrews for his never ending help and encouragement to others in the sport of cycling. 

Full results:

OVERALL (Full Course)

1. Orano Andrews 50:25, 2. Philippe Leroy 51:07, 3. Antony Spencer 1:01

 CATEGORY RESULTS

 EXPERTS

1. Orano Andrews, 2. Statius Talium

 VETERANS

1. Antony Spencer, 2. Alistair Abrehard, 3.Dave Pettigrew

 MASTERS

1. Philippe Leroy, 2. Adrian Dale

 SENIOR MASTERS

1. Craig Bruntz, 2. Jim Cullimore, 3. Tom Merrigan

 GRAND MASTERS

1. Bill  Kinkead, 2. Mike Masters

 WOMEN

1. Sally Blackmore, 2. Carolina Pettigrew, 3. Patlian Johnson, 4. Aurelie Legangneaux

 JUNIORS

1. Barney Nockolds, 2. Jude Kinkead

 FUN NOVICE

Nadia Menezes       )

Marc Downing         )  All crossed line together

Amanda Georges    )

Thor Downing          )

 CADETS

5-6 years boys

1. Alex Fountain 11:47, 2. Noah Cottreau 12:17

 7-8 years boys

1. Gethin Jones 8:55, 2. Tai Thomas 10:17, 3. William Clipstone 13:27, 4. Barnaby Schilder 13:49

 Boys 9-10

1. Derek Pettigrew 13:09, 2. John Cullimore 13:17, 3. Dominic Munro 16:59

 Boys 11-12

1. Liam Blok 12:37, 2. John Pettigrew 12:58

 Girls 7-8

1. Ella Tekelli 18:24

 Girls 9-10

1. Alisha Ayres 18:13

 Girls 11-12

1. Nicole Munro 18.19