The second round of the Cambodia Mountain Bike Series concluded in Kep on Sunday with Flying Bikes team rider Seang Makara scoring his second consecutive race victory in the Expert A class. Up to 122 riders competed over six different categories, with participation up by 40 percent from last year according to race organiser Pierre-Yves Catry.

“Riders from every social class - from students to mechanics to company managers, both Cambodians and foreigners – gathered together for a fun weekend at one of the best seaside towns of Cambodia,” Catry told the Post yesterday.

“Thank to the support of all the sponsors, and especially Knai Bang Chhat resort who provided meals at beautiful Sailing Club, the 2011 edition will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting events of the season.”

With expectation weighing down on his shoulders, Seang Makara produced a masterclass of physical and technical conditioning over the rugged hillpaths of Kep as he held off a late charge from Sihanoukville biker Kheng Ty. Further back, Pierre-Yves Catry won his battle against Flying Bikes teammates Buth Choeun and Oeung Chhoy to clinch third

Makara retains his top spot on the overall standings with a perfect 50 points total. Catry sits in second on 42 points with Oeung Chhoy in third with 36 points.

In the Intermediate Juniors B1 class, Kim Ly of the Comin Khmere team improved on his third from the first round in Phnom Baset to come away with the stage win ahead of Flying Bikes’ Chea Chung Heang and Khmer Cycling’s Ngul Leach.

The B2 class for Intermediates saw British cyclist William Turner make a star appearance, with Chea Peav of the Giant team in second and round one winner Vong Ching Chove of Flying Bikes in third.

In the novice races, Kimsan Puthy set the best time in the C1 class for under 35-year-olds while Jonathan Eamshaw topped the C2 class for over 35-year-olds.

Meanwhile, the women’s class was another fiercely contested round with Ireland’s Moire O’Sullivan taking the gold in front of previous round winner Heng Sivlang and Flying Bikes teammate Heng Sivgech.

Bikers will now look ahead to the third of the five-round series to be held at Silk Island near Phnom Penh on July 3.