ORGANISERS of one of the biggest outdoor adventure events in the Yorkshire Dales have been praised – even though two people were airlifted to hospital, one in a critical condition.

The Ard Rock Enduro mountain bike challenge attracted more than 1,000 mountain bikers and enthusiasts from all over the country to the Dales National Park, with a series of routes on the rocky steep sides of notorious Fremington Edge, near Reeth.

The Northern Echo: CHALLENGING: Action from the Ard Rock Enduro Picture: NEIL STURGEON/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB

Action from the Ard Rock Enduro Picture: NEIL STURGEON/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB

One man, believed to be aged in his 20s was taken to the James Cook Hospital at South Tees with chest and abdominal injuries by Great North Air Ambulance crews on Sunday.

His condition was said to be critical and potentially life threatening, but no update has since been available from the hospital.

A woman aged 31 was also airlifted to James Cook by air ambulance crews on Saturday. Her injuries were not said to be life threatening and her condition was described as stable.

Yorkshire Ambulance service also took one other competitor to hospital by road.

The Swaledale Mountain Rescue team backed by members from Teesdale and Weardale Mountain rescue had been asked to provide cover by the organisers, including three doctors who are volunteers with the team.

Steve Clough, from Swaledale Mountain Rescue said:”We had around 40 incidents with people coming off their bikes, on the steep hillsides. They all needed some medical attention but it was mostly bruises and scrapes.

“It was extremely well organised, the more serious casualties were attended to within minutes.

"I certainly didn’t have any issues with the event, it is being held in a fantastic area for mountain biking, and it is challenging that’s why so many people come to take part, that’s the nature of the event.

“This is the third time it’s been held and it’s becoming really popular in the mountain biking world. Local businesses have been highly complimentary, it is having a good economic benefit for the area.

“And the visitors seem to want to come back. They see places like Reeth and Swaledale and think this is somewhere they want to see more of. I haven’t heard any criticism.”

The courses included a 45km loop and five Alpine style stages with timed stages on Sunday.

One competitor noted on Facebook. “Great event, scary course, definitely not for the faint hearted.”