MOUNTAIN BIKING: The newly formed pyatescycles.co.uk race team savoured success in their second event of the season in the first round of the Caersws Cup Downhill series.

Nearly three hundred competitors from across the country took on tough weather conditions on a testing mountain course.

Greg Hodgins was set to ride his first ever event but was forced out of the race after breaking his rib in practice, while Matt Thomas was another casualty after injuring his eye.

The team's youngest rider, Ben Nott, 13, had a brilliant start to the season and secured third place in the under-14s age section.

James Waldron also enjoyed a successful debut in the non-suspension hardtail category by coming second.

Despite injury problems Foz Willis and team founder Pete Yates both recorded respectable times in their category. Willis finished in 13th place, followed by Yates in 33rd.

Russel Groove, racing his second ever event, finished 22nd in the master's category.

The team is set to be competing in the rest of the Caersws cup and the Pearce Cycle's Downhill series throughout the season.

Anyone who would like more information on the team can visit www.pyatescycles.co.uk