Home turf advantage proved the difference for Wanganui Intermediate, which took both the boys and girls banners in the annual Super Sport Intermediate Interschool Mountain Bike challenge on Wednesday.
Hosted for the first time at the purpose-built Hylton Park mountain bike track in Aramoho, the challenge included riders from six central districts schools - Masterton, Palmerston North Intermediates, Monrad, Palmerston North Normal, St Peter's, Ross and Wanganui.
Event organiser Nigel McIlroy said Wanganui Intermediate fielded the largest number of competitors with 42 riders.
"Traditionally the event has been held on farmland in Shannon and this was the first time in Wanganui and the first time on a purpose-built mountain bike course. That's why we were able to enter a large field of riders," McIlroy said.
A total of 91 riders took part with Wanganui Intermediate taking the honours in both the boys and girls year 7 and year 8 categories.
Defending champions Palmerston North Normal came second with Monrad Intermediate third.
"It's a really tough, but fair course that most of the kids handled quite well," McIlroy said.