BRITAIN'S number one downhill mountain bike rider Steve Peat was in the Forest this week, putting the best riders of the next generation through their paces.
Peat, 36, from Sheffield, is a legend of the downhill mountain biking scene.
The three times World Cup champion has won most things in his sport including eight British Championships, seven British Series Championships and two European Championships.
He has been on World Cup podiums 50 times and was the 2009 UCI downhill world champion.
Peat was at Pedalabikeaway near Cannop on Monday and Tuesday, overseeing a Mountain Biking UK competition to find a star of tomorrow.
Candidates were slowly whittled down, with the winner getting a place on the Steve Peat Syndicate – which helps talented young riders to progress in the sport.
** THE inaugural Nish Nosh mountain bike race was held in Huntley on Sunday.
Hosted by Black Sheep Sports, riders had the choice of one, two or three laps of a muddy nine mile course, designed by Julian Freeman.
The course began at Huntley Garden Centre and finished at Huntley Manor, taking in May Hill and large chunks of Newent and Castle Hill woods.
More than 100 riders took part.
Andrew Freeman from Mitcheldean finished a creditable 11th in the two lap event in 2hrs 19mins.
Dave Giles from Berry Hill enjoyed the experience but not the mud to finish 36th in 2hrs 49mins.
Andrew Jones came 10th in the three lap event in 3mins 7secs. The mud restricted him from using 18 of his 27 gears.
Jon Batts was 13th in 3hrs 10mins, with Adam Taylor 14th in 3hrs 23mins.
Dean Forest Cycling Club chairman Matt Heaman found the going tough and completed in 3hrs 49mins.