A MAN was in a critical condition after a fall during a mountain bike race this afternoon (Sunday, August 7).

It is understood that the man, believed to be in his 20s, was taking part in the 'Ard Rock Enduro' event in the Reeth area of Swaledale.

The Great North Air Ambulance was called at 1.35pm to help Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The man, from Lincoln, suffered injuries to his chest and abdomen described as life-threatening.

He was brought to the helicopter by members of the Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team before he was flown to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, where his condition was said to be critical.

Rescue teams have had one of their busiest weekends due to what is describedas one of the sports’ toughest events.

Around 1,000 took part in the ‘Ard Rock Enduro' event, with one day of practice and two days of competition.

The competition led to around 40 incidents as cyclists came off their bikes as they negotiated the tough terrain.

Medical cover was provided by the Swaledale Mountain Rescue team with their own qualified volunteers and three doctors. They were assisted by a number of volunteers from the Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team.

At about 4.20pm on Saturday, a 31-year-old woman was also airlifted by the Great North Air Ambulance from Fremington Edge, near Reeth, to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Her injuries were not life-threatening and she was treated by the Great North Air Ambulance doctor. Her condition was later described as stable.

She was one of four people who had to be ferried off the fellside by the rescue team during the event.

It was the first time the Swaledale team had provided medical cover for the event and rescue controller Steve Clough said: “There were more than 1,000 people riding each day and it was probably one of our busiest events ever.

“We have treated around 40 people with various injuries but most of them were not serious.”