GRAEME Wiggins was among a swag of local riders who took part in yesterday’s second annual Evocities MTB Series.
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He was among 151 entrants who travelled to the city for the 2016 series debut in Bathurst.
Along with his riding partner Nathan McFarlane, Mr Wiggins signed up to compete in the pairs section for the six-hour event.
Midway through the long race around the hills at Bathurst Bike Park Mr Wiggins was happy with his performance.
Elite riders were making times of around 21.35 minutes for the eight kilometre course, while Mr Wiggins was happy with his time of just under 30 minutes.
“You compare yourself to the top riders and can see how you’re going and I’m happy with my time,” he said.
“It’s good to see the top riders compete.”
Mr Wiggins said yesterday’s event was not about coming first, but challenging himself to complete the gruelling race.
It’s just a personal challenge,” he said.
“It’d be good to complete the race without falling off.”
This is the second time Mr Wiggins, a Bathurst Cycling Club member, has competed in the Evocities MTB Series in Bathurst
“It’s not technically hard, but the hill climbs are hard ... they’re harder this year,” he said.
“All level of riders can ride this track, it’s not just for the elite riders.”
Mr Wiggins was one of many riders who were grateful for the early morning rain that fell on Bathurst yesterday.
“With the little bit of rain it is a bit more grippy,” Mr Wiggins said.
Among his support crew yesterday was his wife, Caro, back for her second year at the sidelines to support her husband.
“It’s a good event, it’s good for the town and good for the club,” she said.
She was armed with food, energy balls and water each time her husband wheeled into the tent.
