Cook claims podium at Porridgepot Hill

Ewan Cook produced an impressive performance in round three of the Brass Monkeys two-hour mountain bike race, at Porridgepot Hill on Sunday.

Heavy rainfall left the course soaked, creating slippery and demanding conditions on a technical layout, featuring tight twists and turns along with a couple of steep descents. Mud and standing water made bike handling crucial throughout.

As he had not competed in all rounds of the series, Ewan was not gridded and started in 20th position. He quickly worked his way through the field and, by the top of the first climb, had moved into second place. A two-rider battle then developed at the front, with the pair distancing the rest of the field.

Ewan looked set to challenge for the win, but a small mistake on the final lap meant he had to settle for second place.

Ewan said he was “beyond excited” to compete in the new category against top riders from across the UK and beyond, adding he could hardly believe he had reached what he described as the pinnacle of cross-country mountain bike racing.