Ben Mather and Jo Bennett have won the five-day, seven-stage 2014 Ingkerreke Commercial MTB Enduro; just as they did together in 2009.

Mather rode consistently and fought off a strong challenge by Alice Springs boy Ryan Standish to stand firm throughout the week and take the series win.

Of the seven-stage event, Mather won two stages, Ryan Standish won three (including the final Stage 7) and James Downing took out the long stage - Stage 6 – on Thursday.

In the end, Ben Mather won it in 10 hours, 30 minutes and nine seconds (10:30:09). Behind him was Ryan Standish in 10:37:40, followed by James Downing – the veteran – in 10:39:41.

Standish said he put in some hard work to try to get a break in the climb up Undoolya Ridge but looked around and Ben was still there.

“It wasn’t until the last section of single track that I managed to break away from him to be able to get the stage win,” said Standish.

“But it was beautiful out there; the trails were perfect,” he said.

Ben Mather raved about the event, encouraging more people to attend.

“Those who haven’t done the event for a while or are yet to do it are definitely missing out,” Mather said.

“The locals have put a lot of work into making new single track and improving the existing ones and it’s a really good week.

“I knew I had a good lead on Ryan going into today so it was just about preservation and trying to get through without any issues and I’d get the event win,” he said.

In the women’s event, Jo Bennett was challenged right throughout the week by a very determined Imogen Smith.

They came across the finish line for the final Stage 7 together, with Bennett taking the stage win by only 23 milliseconds!

“Imogen (Smith) pushed me so hard, I had to give it everything and I’m really happy with how the week has gone,” Bennett said.

“Ben (Mather) and I both won in 2009 so I was really keen to get the win with him this year as well.

“I’ve loved the event and will definitely be back next year with my husband Tim,” she said.

The final result was Jo Bennett in twelve hours, fifteen minutes and forty-six seconds (12:15:46), then Imogen Smith in 12:19:08, followed by Jessica Douglas in 12:44:43.

It was a big week of riding with over 160 participants from across Australia taking part. Approximately 50 local mountain bike riders completed today’s Stage 7 as a single stage.

Anthony Kelly from Paraparap in Victoria attended the event with a group of mates representing www.health.com.au. It was his first time at the event.

“I didn’t finish today due to my chain falling off though a very nasty rocky section but the week’s been a lot of fun,” said Kelly.

“I loved the night ride - even though I went straight over the handle bars at one stage – and there’s a very good chance I’ll be back next year as I really enjoyed it (the event),” he said.

A summary of the results is:

SERIES – MEN
1. Ben Mather 10:30:09

1. Ryan Standish 10:37:40

2. James Downing 10:39:41 (winner of the male veteran category)

SERIES - WOMEN
1. Jo Bennett 12:15:46

1. Imogen Smith 12:19:08

2. Jessica Douglas 12:44:43 (winner of the female veteran category)

STAGE #7 - MEN
1. Ryan Standish 01:53:29

1. Ben Mather 01:56:39

2. James Downing 01:57:30

STAGE #7 - WOMEN
1. Jo Bennett 02:14:45 (winning by 23 milliseconds)

1. Imogen Smith 02:14:45

2. Jessica Douglas 02:19:1

Click here to view the full event results.

The event stages and the winners included:
· Adidas Eyewear Evil Eye Stage 1: 37km - won by Ryan Standish and Jo Bennett

· Ingkerreke Commercial Stage 2: 45second, 300m Hill Climb - won by Ryan Standish and Jo Bennett

· Lasseter’s Casino Stage 3 (Tuesday): 49km – won by Ben Mather and Jo Bennett

· Schwalbe Stage 4 (Wednesday AM): 22km Individual Time Trial – won by Ryan Standish and Imogen Smith

· Cyclecover Stage 5 (Wednesday PM): 22km Night Race – won by Ben Mather and Jo Bennett

· NT Major Events Stage 6 (Thursday): 82km – won by James Downing and Imogen Smith

· Chifley Alice Springs Resort Stage 7 (Friday): 39km – won by Ryan Standish and Jo Bennett

For some photo and video highlights from the event check out the Rapid Ascent Events Facebook page.