DAVID Knight romped to victory in the opening round of the US Grand National Cross Country series in Melbourne, Florida, yesterday.
The defending champion dominated a physically demanding track featuring sand whoops, tree roots and mud bogs to win by more than three minutes.
The Ballaugh man overcame a difficult start before taking control half way through the event.
X Games champion Travis Pastrana promised to challenge Knight in the early stages, leading on the first lap before fatigue set in and he fell behind to finish in 18th place.
Knight said at the finish line: 'I had such a bad start. I was following guys and picking them off one by one, but they were kind of holding me up.
'I realised it was easier if I went faster and just stayed on top. You couldn't cruise - there was no place to rest. It was pretty brutal.'
The series continues almost straight away with round two being held this Sunday, March 9, in Washington, Georgia.
RESULT - Melbourne, Florida1, David Knight (KTM)
2, Jimmy Jarrett (Suz)
3, Garrett Edmisten (Kaw)
4, Barry Hawk (Yam)
5, Paul Whibley (Suz)
6, Nathan Kanney (KTM)
www.gnccracing.com