Organisers hail the success of women's only Enduro race

Hope Technology organised the race which saw around 300 women take to the course on Sunday.

Competitors completed three stages in the Forest of Bowland with entrants ranging from national level riders to novices.

And Hope Technology’s Alan Wetherill was delighted with the day - even if star attraction Rachel Atherton missed out through sickness.

He said: “It was a shame that Rachel couldn’t make it but we still had national Enduro champions and top level downhill racers there.

“It is the second year we have run it and numbers were up on last year and we were pretty much at capacity this time.

“It is open to everyone - from national riders to newcomers - and the idea was to try and encourage more women to ride, there are women that do it but not as much as men.

“Hopefully it can encourage people to keep within the sport.”

The event, which saw practice rounds in the morning before the action got underway in the afternoon, also attracted a healthy crowd to cheer on the competitors with Wetherill pleased to see the work in offering an experience for spectators had paid off.

He added: “We had a lot of families there watching and the crowds were good despite the weather.

“We had some down at the bottom of the course cheering the riders on with cowbells like a proper World Cup event.

“It is a very family friendly event and one where the riders are really encouraged.

“We will certainly be back next year.”

Results: Elite women: 1 Martha Gill 6.09.21, 2 Katy Curd 6.14.40, 3 Veronique Sandler 6.27.14.

U16 girls: 1 Ellie Jones 6.51.01, 2 Rose Tempest 7.03.72, 3 Amber Hull 7.24.38

U21 women: 1 Megan James 6.21.30, 2 Abigale Lawton 7.04.10, 3 Katie Hesden 7.20.53.

30-39 women: 1 Michaela Laxton 7.05.33, 2 Sofia Christiansen 7.06.32, 3 Erika Exelby 7.16.31

40-49 women: 1 Karen Van Meerbeeck 6.42.55, 2 Cheri Mills 6.53.17, 3 Clare Mitchell 7.20.16

50+ women: 1 Sarah Barnwell 7.16.50, 2 Kate Ratcliffe 7.21.10, 3 Liz Peacock 7.30.72