Nick Craig is a multiple national mountain bike champion

Nick Craig won his third consecutive Manx End-2-End Mountain Bike title in testing conditions on Sunday.

Despite strong winds and heavy ground the former British champion finished the punishing 46-mile race in two hours 57:20 minutes.

Craig told BBC Isle of Man: "It's great to win for a third time - it's a one-off event - a great one-off."

Manxman Elliot Baxter finished five minutes 15 seconds down in second with Matt Clinton third.

The Scott UK rider added: "Elliot (Baxter) had a great ride and pushed me all the way.

"The conditions were heavy and the pipeline made it a little longer, but it's always good to break three hours.

"I will definitely be back next year to defend my title. The organisation of the event is second to none."

Meanwhile, Cheri Mills was the leading lady home in 3:55:09.

Steve Honeybone of the Manx End-2-End Committee told BBC Isle of Man: "We're really happy with how the day went and to have over 1,000 finishers is fantastic.

"There were a few accidents but that is mainly to do with tyre choice."

A record 1001 riders completed the course at Cregneash.

Results, 12 September

Manx End 2 End

1. Nick Craig Men 2 hours 57:20 minutes

2. Elliot Baxter 3:02:35

3. Matt Clinton 3:08:29

82. Cheri Mills 3:55:09

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