PAUL BOWEN

“I’ve come over from Halifax, so not too far. Obviously, I’m representing the local brand and riding an Orange Stage 6 today (laughs). We first booked on for this Ard Rock in 2018 and it’s been cancelled for two years, so just been really looking forward to it ever since.

“It’s been a great day, but it’s been really hard and I’m absolutely spent now. During lockdown I’ve been working at home a lot, so my fitness has really dropped off and this is my first race back since 2019, and I’ve really been found out today. Still, it’s been a brilliant day, just that the hard work is part of it.

“What’s been so good really is just catching up with everyone and the various people and faces you know from events and races you’ve not seen for years.

“Tonight, we’re going to have a few beers and some food with mates who are racing tomorrow, but I don’t think I’ll be doing much more than sleeping later on; I’m just totally exhausted after that lot.”