FOUR Manx riders took part in the fourth round of the British Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series at Kirroughtree in the Scottish Borders on Sunday.
Joe Haddock and Nathan Draper were in the Youth 14-16 class on a 6km course that had seen a lot of rain the previous day, making the going for all classes slippery.
Both made a good start, but once into the single track climb they got off and ran as the slippery roots were unrideable. They finished well, where many would have given up, Joe 15th and Nathan 23rd.
Microgaming Team Isle of Man rider Rob Sorby started well in the premier class and his opening lap was on a par with some of the best, but it all went wrong when he hit a tree head-on descending into the finish area and wrecked his bike’s front wheel.
Conister Bank-supported Nick Corlett enjoyed a blinding start and latched onto Junior series leader Ian Paton.
They scythed through the field on the opening lap but Corlett had to stop twice to tighten his rear-wheel and lost touch with Paton who went on to finish fourth.
Corlett fended off numerous challenges to achieve his best result this year in eighth to move up to 10th in the overall standings with one race to go in Langdon Hills, Essex.
Joe Haddock, 17th in the 14-16 series, will also be attending the event, after which the two teenagers will tackle the British Nationals at Wasing Hall, Basingstoke.