NICK Craig has won the Isle of Man End2End Mountain Bike Challenge for the fourth time in succession, once again beating the 3-hour barrier.

The ex Olympic cyclist again held off a strong challenge to claim victory by a comfortable margin of more than eight minutes from Neal Crampton from Pudsey, with Matt Clinton of Balsall a close third, just 12 seconds behind.

Isle of Man rider Elliot Baxter was fourth overall almost a minute down. Another local rider, Lloyd Taggart, finished 5th and Rob Sorby was 7th.

A record number of 1,700 starters began the race at the Point of Ayre this morning and it was clear from the outset that Craig wasn’t to have it all his own way with Baxter providing the early challenge and briefly holding the lead.

But the class of the former Olympic cyclist showed as the event progressed in muddy conditions following the weekend’s heavy showers of rain.

Baxter’s challenge fell away, but Craig stayed focused and in the end it was a relatively comfortable victory.

The women’s race saw an Isle of Man victory - won by Jacqui Fletcher from another Manx rider, Alicia Corlett. Third was Ruth Bailey

The tricky conditions made it tough going for the many competitors who were taking part merely to complete the 42 miles route across the centre of the Island, taking in dramatic scenery over tracks and through glens and plantations.

Many hours after Baxter had crossed the finishing line at The Sound, riders were battling against their stamina and tenacity to complete the full distance. The final finishers took almost seven hours to complete the event.

The results, compiled by Manx Timing Solutions, showed that a total of 1228 riders completed the full distance with 15 junior riders finishing the half course to St John’s.

The prize presentation for the event, sponsored again by Sleepwell Hotels, was staged this evening in the Villa Marina.