A family have been left devastated after a competitor died following an accident in the End to End mountain bike race at the weekend.

Nigel Park, 71, from Glen Mona, came off his bike while traversing an obstacle on private land near to Ballacraine.

He died as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Mr Park’s family said in a statement: ’Dad was a regular competitor and keen mountain biker.

’We are understandably devastated by his tragic passing but we take comfort in knowing he was doing something he loved alongside good friends.’

Emergency services were called to the scene - a zig-zag descent from the Dowse through a field above Ballacraine Farm - at about 12.30pm on Sunday. No other bikes were involved in the incident.

The family have requested that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

A police investigation into the incident continues. The Coroner of inquests has been informed.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the Manx Mountain Bike Club and the End to End Committee passed on their sincere condolences. ’Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the rider,’ they said.

The End to End mountain bike race, first held in 1996, covers a distance of 45 miles from Point of Ayre to Port Erin.

More than 400 riders took part in this year’s event.