MORE than 2,500 mountain bikers took to the muddy tracks around Eastnor Castle for the 10th annual T-Mobile Giant Mountain Mayhem.

Many of the world's leading riders raced alongside thousands of amateurs in the UK's biggest 24-hour mountain bike endurance race.

Teams of four and five competed for the coveted Mountain Mayhem title as did many individual riders.

Some of the toughest conditions in mountain biking faced the competitors as thick mud coated the course.

In the Team events, leading UK mountain biker Nick Craig led the Scott UK team of Stuart Bowers, Johnny Pugh and Paul Oldham to its second title at Eastnor Castle, completing 35 eight-mile laps in 24 hours 18 minutes 58 seconds.

Evans RCC took the Mixed title. Jenn O'Connor's win in the solo women's competition was her fourth victory at Mountain Mayhem, while Anthony White's win marked his first success in six attempts.

Elsewhere, the Army team beat the RAF in the services category, Leeds University won the varsity competition and Numplumz.com won in the 10th anniversary 10-man team event.

Organiser Patrick Adams, said: "Ten years on from the very first Mountain Mayhem and the event continues to go from strength to strength.

"Conditions were among the toughest we have seen and the courage and skill levels shown by the riders have been incredible."