THE results of a tendering process that was re-run has been announced, with the original winners coming out on top again.

The Forestry Commission said Pace and the Cycling Touring Club (CTC) would take over the cycle hire shop in Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, in the near future.

The lease was previously held by sisters Ruth and Vicky Griffin, who run Purple Mountain cycle hire and cafes at other venues.

After six years, the lease had expired and went out to tender again.

Purple Mountain lost out to Pace, and Eurest Services won the cafe contract, but called for the tender process to be run again because the company felt it was unfair.

A Forestry Commission spokesman said: “The tender re-run has been completed by a board of Forestry Commission staff from outside the Yorkshire District who collectively have a long experience of contracting and managing recreational suppliers.

“We are sorry for the lack of service recently and will now work hard to restore the cycle hire at Dalby Forest as quickly as we can.

“We look forward to building on the great reputation the forest has as a world-class cycling venue.”

Pace managing director Adrian Carter said: “Dalby is the spiritual home of Pace.

“When Pace was developing mountain bikes back in 1987, most of the development and testing was done in Dalby Forest.”

Mr Carter had also made plans to add a Pace museum on the site, but the North York Moors National Park Authority said planning permission given in 2003 stipulates that additional workshop space at Dalby should be left available for local craft-making.

Vicky Griffin said: “The result is very disappointing.

“The decision was not made by an independent body, so the Forestry Commission has just self-regulated, and I still do not think it was fair.

“However, we have now been approached by Welcome to Yorkshire to look at other venues in the county where we can set up bike centres – so a good thing has come out of all of this.

“There is no way on earth Pace can beat us in terms of experience.”