AUSTRALIAN under 23 representative Brent Rees won the PBM Hardrock six hour mountain bike race conducted by the Manning-Great Lakes Tip Riders.
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Rees, from the Tamworth area, completed 11 laps of the course in Kiwarrak State Forest to claim the victory.
He defeated defending champion Jason English from Newcastle. Rees had a total time of 06.01.59 compared to English, who clocked 06.23.52. English, an eight-time world champion, had dominated the previous six hour races conducted by the club.
Ben Fillingham was third with 11 laps for a total time of 06.27.18.
Kaydee Raths won the women's section, completing nine laps in 06.05.56.
Emily Dreaper was second. Her time for nine laps was 06.29.10. Ingrid Jay Shaw was third, completing eight laps in 05.58.04.
A total of 253 riders contested the race, the biggest in its four year history.
The day wasn't without incident, with one rider taken to Manning Hospital, where he underwent surgery after breaking his leg.
Another rider dislocated his shoulder. He was also taken to hospital, but returned to the track later in the afternoon.
Manning Great Lakes Tip Riders spokesman Bruce Paine said the riders were in awe of the loop.
"The course was testing, but the riders loved it,'' he said.
"We did have problems with dust - it was pretty horrendous, but there were no complaints.''
Former World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss returned to his home town to compete in the race for the first time. Bayliss won the men's 50 plus division. He completed 10 laps in 06.04.40.
"Troy was really fast,'' Mr Paine said.
Mr Paine said it would be possible to fit more riders onto the track.
"I think we could take up to 300,'' he said.
"That's something we will look at in the future. The event is certainly growing in popularity and riders from around the State are keen to come here to test themselves.''
Mr Paine said the Manning Great Lakes club was strongly represented and members had their fair share of podium finishes.
He added the event will definitely be on next year, although the date has yet to be confirmed.
"We'll be having a talk with our sponsors first, although I don't think there will be too many changes,'' he said.
