A field of 33, which included an encouraging five females, took to Thunder Point for the three-member relay on Sunday.

The competitors, divided into three grades after a qualifying dash, completed four laps each of a 2.5-kilometre course, for 12 in total.

Jason Hoy (A grade), Leigh Dufty (B grade) and Sam Worden (C grade) took the round one spoils.

Jayce Dufty (A), Robert Owen (B) and Colleen Hughson (C) ran second while Gavin Piergrosse (A), Troy Boote (B) and Lisa Worden (C) were third.

Race director Darren Harris was confident rider numbers would lift for round two, on July 20. Round three is on August 24. “We were pretty encouraged given the late notice for the course change from Tower Hill to Thunder Point,” Harris said.

“We were happy with the numbers. It’s more than we were getting to some of our dirt crits summer series races. It’s not a bad effort given it’s winter.

“Once we get some of the social media out there with pictures and there’s a bit in the paper, more people might want to do the second one.”

Harris said the Thunder Point course was “perfect” for mountain bike riding. “It’s a great area where water drains very well. It was a bit slipperty to start with because of the dew in the morning but they were perfect conditions,” he said.

“Everyone was raving about the course compared to riding it in the summer when it’s quite dusty and not quite as tacky.

“And having it at Thunder Point, it’s a nice central location. It took a bit of the logistical effort out of it.

“It’s a bit easier for people to get to. It’s not as big a drive. It worked out quite well. Plus we were able to use the harness racing track facilities.”

The event also featured a shortened kids’ race, which attracted 15 children aged six and under.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au