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Bike Classicfirst place, with ex-Thomas Hassall student Scott Reynolds running him a close second. Rider Aidan Beardmore of Newington College is in his first year of competitive riding, and he particularly enjoys this aspect of the sport.“I like it because you get to choose your lines and decide strategically how to approach the track,” he said.“It’s thrilling but strategic at the same time. It’s a good combination of easy and hard.” The 2016 King’s MTB Classic attracted over twenty different schools including Newington College, Thomas Hassall Anglican College, Northholme Grammar and Glenwood High School. For the schools, every lap counts in the race towards taking out the coveted School Champion Title. This year Thomas Hassall took home the cup for the third time. Teacher Anna Mugridge was thrilled atthe great result, saying it was unexpected and surprising. “We had some riders pull out at the last minute. We usually have around twenty students competing, so we didn’t think we’d have the numbers towin the title. However, our kids worked hard and pulled through in the end,” she said. “The King’s track is a jolly good track – the kids absolutely love it because there’s not as much uphill racing and there’s some good jumps and turns throughout the track.”The King’s Mountain Bike Classic, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Parramatta, is held every year in November. Riders of all ages and experience are encouraged to register either as a solo rider or in a team of two. The race runs for two hours, however riders are able to finish earlier if they wish or if they find two hours too challenging.“The King’s track is a jolly good track – the kids absolutely love it because there’s not as much uphill racing and there’s some good jumps and turns throughout the track.”MATTHEW DINHAMof Knox Grammar School took out first place, with ex-Thomas Hassall studentSCOTT REYNOLDS running him a close second.www.kings.edu.au/mtb