Logan Edger made a break on the final lap to claim victory on the Wingatui block in club cycling on Saturday.
There was a buzz of excitement even before racing started, with the new timing system handed out to riders when they signed on.
Riders ticked off each lap with a sigh as aggressive racing in all grades led to a hard day in the saddle.
The category one riders were not going to let anyone away until Edger, a new club member, had a go on the last lap and managed to get a gap on the chasers.
The riders closed fast but Edger held on to win, with Brad Evans second and Mark Spessot third.
In category two, Scott Thomas crossed the line first, 23sec ahead of Fenton Lambert.
Stu Thomas brought in the bunch 58sec behind.
There was a sprint finish in category three, with Patrick Allen winning by 3sec from Mark Buissink, with Micheal Harris in third.
Category four had a handicap race, with Carol Evans taking the honours from husband and rival George.
Dave McCleod was third.
Hamish Allen won the junior race, pipping Caitlin Kelly and Sam Piley.
The six-round national mountain bike cross-country and downhill series was wrapped up at the weekend, with Brendon Sharratt and Katherine O'Neill winning the cross-country titles and Nathan Rankin the downhill crown, NZPA reports.
The final round at Rotorua on the weekend saw Rotorua's Eloise Fry hold off a strong challenge from fellow local Monique Avery and Tokoroa's Michelle Bellamy in the women's cross-country.
The men's cross-country saw Mike Northcott finish in front of Dirk Peters (Rotorua) and Carl Jones (Rotorua).
Rankin finished second in the downhill to United States professional Luke Strobel but had done enough to secure the series title.
New Plymouth's Wyn Masters rounded out the podium.
Attention now turns to the national championships in Wellington on Friday. - Steve Harvard
