The Christchurch mountain biker Sam Blenkinsop secured his first big win since breaking his leg 12 months ago, in round two of the BikeNZ Downhill Mountain Bike Cup series on Mt Hutt.
Blenkinsop beat out a strong international field, including riders from USA, Britain, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand to win.
The 24-year-old says he always seems to be injured and miss out on races in New Zealand so it's good to be back and it's always fun.
American Neko Mulally was second and favourite Cam Cole of Christchurch was third.
In the elite women's race, UK rider Jess Stone produced her second winning ride in as many weeks to take a solid grasp of the overall series lead.
Stone headed home Alanna Columb of Queenstown and Sophie Tyas of Christchurch.
