Junior cyclists Daniel Minay and Cameron Hounsell were a class above the rest in the 2025 version of the Rigid Turkey off-road festive race at Noble’s Park.

The event took place on the Sunday morning before Christmas and conditions, were extremely wet underfoot, albeit rainless for the event itself.

Minay and Hounsell combined well to win the race by a comfortable margin, picking up the large trophy originally donated by local resident and long-time Sky and INEOS Grenadiers pro Ben Swift, the twice former British Road Race Champion.

Runners-up Tom Broadbent and Ryan Downey won the veteran’s class, with youngster Tommy Bass and Chris Bully third overall.

Island Games rider Eric Kelly finished fourth with Cameron Leslie, while Thomas Kirk and Oliver Kennington were the first all-youth pairing in fifth spot. Sisters Abi and Poppy Clayton were the first female team in ninth.

Andy Bass and Mark Horsthuis were disqualified from second place for deviating from the official course.

2025 Rigid Turkey results: 1, Daniel Minay & Cameron Hounsell; 2, Ryan Downey & Tom Broadbent; 3, Tommy Bass & Chris Bully; 4, Eric Kelly & Cameron Leslie; 5, Thomas Kirk & Oliver Kennington; 6, Luke Coomer & Austin Baglow; 7, Gianni Epifani & Trevor Kirkwood; 8, Michael Faid & Anthony Faid; 9, Abi Clayton & Poppy Clayton; 10, Sophie Acton & S. Wheatcroft; 11, Abe Kelly & Aelan Morgan; 12, John Garrood & Aifric O’Shea. Solo winner: Niall Quiggin. Disqualified: Mark Horsthuis & Andy Bass.

The Le Mans-style massed start caused chaos at the beginning of the now annyal cycling event at Noble's Park (Photo: Ricciardi Media)
The Le Mans-style massed start caused chaos at the beginning of the now annual cycling event at Noble's Park (Photo: Ricciardi Media) (Ricciardi Media)
Sisters Abi (left) and Poppy Clayton were the women's winners in the Rigid Turkey (Photo: Gary Jones/Manxman Photos)
Sisters Abi (left) and Poppy Clayton were the women's winners in the Rigid Turkey (Photo: Gary Jones/Manxman Photos) (Gary Jones/Manxman Photos)
Niall Quiggin was the winner of the solo race at Noble's Park (Photo: Ricciardi Media)
Niall Quiggin was the winner of the solo race at Noble's Park (Photo: Ricciardi Media) (Ricciardi Media)

Oliver Kennington in action under the watchful eye of Sir Mark Cavendish who was back in the island for Christmas (Photo: Gary Jones/Manxman Photos)
Oliver Kennington in action under the watchful eye of Sir Mark Cavendish who was back in the island for Christmas (Photo: Gary Jones/Manxman Photos) (Gary Jones/Manxman Photos)

HAMPER RACE CALLED OFF

The ever-popular Bikestyle Hamper Road Race was unfortunately postponed over the weekend.

The annual event was due to take place on Sunday over the regular course based at Jurby Parish Hall.

Unfortunately, icy conditions left organisers with no choice but to call off the race. It is hoped that the event can be rescheduled in the near future, possibly in early February.