An end-of-season trailquest, treasure hunt and prize presentation for young mountain bikers took place at Archallagan plantation on Saturday.

No fewer than 164 riders took part in the Zurich-sponsored series, from teenagers right down to one rider a mere 18 months old.

The seven rounds took place on plantation courses in South Barrule and Conrhenny, in addition to Archallagan, with the best five results counting towards the various age group championships.

The under-eights class was very well supported, with more than 30 taking part. Three wins earned Freddie Fargher the series win, with Oliver Kennington second overall. David Leece’s regular finishes earned him third spot. Poppy Clayton took the girls’ title in fine style, regularly challenging the boys at the front.

Millie Ward was runner-up and Lucy Wormald third.

Cameron Hounsell and Daniel Minay shared the wins in the under-10s with three each, leaving all to play for going into the final round. Cameron got it, to take the overall series, with Thomas Hutchinson third.

Abby Clayton, like her sister, was a podium regular to take the girls’ award.

The under-12s was dominated by Cian Howard who won every race he finished, but he was chased hard all the way by Oscar Gaylor.

Behind them there was plenty of close racing between Freddie Griffin, Alec Sorby and Orry Lund in the fight for the final podium spots. Freddie and Alec couldn’t be separated on points, so took joint third in the series.

The u14s class was all about Ivan Sorby and Callum Salisbury, with some great close rides. Sorby took the title with four wins to Salisbury’s two.

The annual Dan Kneen trophy is awarded to the rider considered most ’On The Pipe’, and this year was presented to Callum Salisbury in recognition of his first race wins and a superb podium performance in the youth class of the End-to-End.

The series also includes challenge events for the youngest riders, starting on balance bikes and progressing with age and experience.

Evan Henderson took the bumblebees balance-bike title by two points from Ffinlo Cannell, with Oliver Halligan third. Lilliwan Parry was top girl.

In the new-to-pedalling hornets class, Isla Kennington took the overall and girls’ title, with Stephen Kennaugh second and Arthur Ward third.

Tallulah Wilson took the dragonflies title from Ethan Burgess and William McAllister.

l A big thank you to Erin Bike Hut and Bikestyle for the prizes, Zurich for the series sponsorship, plus all the helpers, marshals and parents who made it happen.

Gary Salisbury