This weekend saw the first round of the NORBA series, the US’s premier MTB race series. And it got off to the worst possible start with the death of Japanese rider Haruko Fujinawa after a crash in practice on Saturday. The 33-year old from Kyoto was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The racing went on, though, with Eric Carter (Mongoose/Hyundai) adding the downhill prize to his mountain cross win on Saturday. Strong British performances included Steve Peat (Royal/Orange), second by 0.14 seconds despite racing with a strapped-up wrist. And Tracy Moseley (Kona/Clarks) beat Tai-Lee Muxlow by 0.6 seconds to take top spot in the womens’ race. Fionn Griffiths (Foes) occupied the other podium slot.

A moment’s silence was held before racing and during the podium presentation in memory of Fujinawa.