Mountain Biking: Weather cuts Moonride short

The Cateye Moonride 24-hour race was cut short following horrendous weather in Rotorua.

Organisers of the event were forced to cancel the 24-hour race on Friday before start time, with riders taking part in the shorter 12-hour or six-hour race on Saturday.

Despite the conditions, droves of riders took part in the solo and team races on Saturday, starting at 9am.

"Well done to all those involved ... the weather wasn't on our side but you all didn't let that stop you," organisers wrote on their Facebook page.

"Thank you again to all for co-operation and understanding with the changes made to the event due to poor conditions."

This is the first time racing has been shortened at the event because of bad weather since 1998, when the race was called off an hour before the race ended because of poor conditions.

This year's event was held in the Whakarewarewa Forest with riders doing laps of a set course through a network of trails.

Auckland's Jared Scollay won the 12-hour race on Saturday after finishing second in the 24-hour race during last year's event.

Jude Young took out the women's race with a convincing victory.

Organisers said on the Facebook page they would repair any damaged tracks following heavy traffic on Saturday.

The Cateye Moonride dates back to 1994 in Rotorua when a 12-hour race was part of the Mad Mad Mid-Winter Festival. A 24-hour race was offered in 2002.

Results:

Men solo race:

1st Jared Scollay, 29 laps

2nd Matt Andrew, 28 laps

3rd Angus Petrie, 26 laps

Women solo race:

1st Jude Young, 20 laps

2nd Marie Davis, 16 laps

Teams race:

1st Team Magellan Strava-tard, 36 laps

2nd Team Endura Gloworm Boys, 35 laps

3rd Team Still Classy Avantip, 35 laps