Baxter claimed a dramatic victory at South Barrule

Elliot Baxter claimed a dramatic victory in the sixth round of the Manx Mountain Bike Club's Winter XC Challenge at South Barrule on Sunday.

The Island Games captain finished less than a second ahead of Aaron Livsey with both riders believing there was a further lap to go.

"For some reason we both felt there was another lap to go and didn't sprint for the line, said Baxter.

Paul Kneen finished two seconds ahead of Rob Sorby to claim third.

The six lap race is one of three that will be used to select the island's mountain biking team for the Natwest Island Games in June.

A team of five men and three women will be selected to represent the Isle of Man in the Isle of Wight.

The Criterium race at the Villa Marina is a first on the Island and we hope that people will come down and take a look Elliot Baxter

Baxter added: "The past two rounds of the XC series as well as the forthcoming Criterium race at the Villa Marina will be used to choose our team. We will of course take previous performances into consideration."

Meanwhile, with Mark Harrison moving up to the Elite Class, Declan Murphy had another storming ride to win the Sport class. Murphy finished two minutes ahead of Adam Johnson in the shorter four-lap race with Stephen Clague third.

Jacqui Fletcher was the leading lady home finishing in 20th place overall.

Nick Corlett and Sophie Black won the 14 to 16-year-old race with Joseph Haddock winning the 12-13 age group.

William Draper and Eleanor Davis won the 7-11 age group.

Results: Sunday, 6 March

Full XC Results

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