Just back from racing in the US, Gisborne rider Callum Gordon defended his 50km men's title in the Motu Special mountainbike races on Sunday.

Gordon clocked a swift two hours six minutes and 33 seconds for the two-lap PGG Wrightson Weka Special, shaving nine seconds from his 2017 race time.

Second place went to Whakatane rider Joel Wilson, who was second to Gordon last year.

The women's 50km title went to Margeaux Pittar in two hours 46 minutes, with Rose Candy second, two-and-a-half minutes behind (both Gisborne).

The Motu Special was again focused on all levels of participation, with children's races and the new Electric Village e-bike experience. The day was again a fundraiser for Motu Community House.

The course for both 50km and 25km races featured a steep climb to almost 800m altitude, before plummeting to historic Marumoko road and past Whinray Scenic Reserve back to Motu.

'It's a really cool race,” says Pittar. 'I rode in the first Motu Special but this was the first time in the 50km. It was a lot harder than I expected!”

Gordon was similarly enthusiastic. 'As always, I loved the event. It's a great day. I was also super happy with the weather,” he says — referring to the perfect early-spring conditions.

'It's really good to see everyone out enjoying it,” adds the 24-year-old, who in the US was racing on the road with Team California.

Motu Special co-organiser Kathy Sheldrake thanked local property owners who had given access to their land. 'And thank you to the Motu community who came out to help run the event.”

'We also say a huge thank you to Eastland Community Trust and all the other sponsors. We are extremely grateful for your support of the Motu Special.”

Neville Parkinson and Chris Cappins were first home in the ebike experience, separated by one second with Sue Bull the first woman.

Steferl Gordon and Jim Robinson led home the women's and men's 25km Ballance Fantail Special, while Daniel Watts and Samantha Jennings were winners of the 12km PAK'nSAVE Blue Duck Special.

In the children's races, James Coop sped to victory in the 5km Weet-Bix Tomtit special Blake Redpath won the 5km Motu Community House Kiwi Special.

RESULTS:

http://www.racetecresults.com/Results.aspx?CId=16529&RId=105&EId=1

MotuSpecial website: www.motuspecial.co.nz