IT was an action-packed weekend in Llangollen as downhill mountain biking arrived in the form of round three of the British Downhill Series.

Racing on a new course at One Giant Leap in Pengwern Vale, some of the world’s top riders battled it out to clock the best times.

Among the famous-name competitors were Dan and Gee Atherton, who are based in the Welsh borderlands, while 2009 world champion Steve Peat also paid a visit.

With the majority of the new course easily visible, spectators also enjoyed the event which was bathed in glorious sunshine throughout Saturday and Sunday.

However, the dangers of this extreme sport were illustrated yesterday as one rider crashed and was taken by ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Landowner Martin Sands said: “The riders have been enjoying it and the spectators have been having a great time. Unfortunately one guy landed awkwardly on the final jump and had to be taken to hospital but we believe that he is okay.”

Martin added the new track, which received mixed reviews following a very wet Welsh Championships earlier this year, has been receiving great feedback from the daredevil riders this weekend.

For more information and to keep up-to-date with future downhill events in Llangollen visit www.onegiantleap.llangollen.co.uk.