Defending champion Oli Beckingsale was forced to settle for third after Emil Lindgren and Marco Minnaard claimed at Rabobank one-two in the opening round of the British Mountain Bike Series at Sherwood Pines.

With the race upgraded to UCI class one, giving elite riders the chance to score World Cup qualifying points, a host of overseas racers stood on the start line among the cream of Great Britain’s crop.

“It was a really nice race,” said Lindgren. “Overtaking back markers was difficult at times because the track is tight in places but I really enjoyed Sherwood Pines. It is a great course.

“I’m happy to be the first Swede to win in the British Mountain Bike Series but I am even happier for the team. With a second for Marco and a strong finish for Michiel (Van Der Heijden, sixth), Giant Rabobank had a very good day.”

Lindgren claimed the honours after six laps in 01:45.01 hours, 38 seconds ahead of Minnaar, with Endura Racing rider Beckingsale a further 41 seconds back.

“I needed a good start as the race can be won or lost very early here,” said Beckingsale. “I got a terrible start.

“Within half a lap though I was back at the front of the pack but Emil had already gone. He was really on it and full credit to him.

“A strong third place and finishing as the top placed Brit’s a good start to the season and is a great debut for Endura MTB Racing. I’m already looking forward to Dalby.”

David Fletcher and Jody Crawforth claimed fourth and fifth, while Liam Killeen, seventh at the 2008 Olympic Games, finished eighth and Bikemagic contributor Scott Forbes, making his elite debut, crossed the line in 35th from a 62-strong field.

Meanwhile, Lene Byberg took the honours in the women’s race, clocking 01:40.10 after five laps, 27 seconds ahead of world under-23 silver medallist and last year’s winner Annie Last, while Lily Matthews, finished four minutes, 50 seconds adrift in third.

The series now heads to the award-winning Dalby World Cup circuit on April 16/17.

For full results from Sherwood Pines, click here.