LAST weekend Innerleithen and the surrounding areas played host to over 1,100 mountain bike racers and thousands of spectators at the Enduro World Series (EWS) Tweed Valley.

The four-day-long event was bursting with riders of all ages and nationalities, from EWS-KIDS to elite athletes from more than 35 countries around the world, including France, America and Australia.

Thursday saw the start of event week race proceedings with e-bike riders tackling a 13-stage race, with over 2830m of climbing.

Saturday kicked off with a plethora of racing from EWS-KIDS, a huge amateur field and an exciting first stage from the professional athletes. More than 230 rising stars took part in EWS-KIDS, supported by Dirt School and delivered by local cycling clubs PCC, KICC and Cranked Cycle Club.

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But it was local Innes Graham who stole the show on Saturday when he put down an incredible run to win Saturday’s Pro Stage, before going on to take third overall in the men’s pro race on Sunday, behind Canada’s Jesse Melamed in second and US star Richie Rude in first place.

Graham was not the only Scot to wow the local crowds. Ella Connolly put on an incredible performance to ride to her first EWS win on home soil, followed by Tweed Valley local Bex Baraona in second and French National Champion Isabeau Courdurier.

Event director Emma Wadee said: “We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors and locals to the Tweed Valley for the opening round of the EWS 2022 season. The international teams and riders sung the praises of our local area, its beauty, the warm welcome they received and the amazing race course that the hills provided.

"As locals ourselves, the ESO Sports team are extremely proud of Innerleithen, the support we received from local businesses and residents; and not forgetting the huge volume of volunteers that helped us create a truly special event in the Tweed Valley."