A gutsy performance by Highlands mountain bike rider Lynn Robinson left spectators in awe after the State round at Penrose on Sunday.

Leading the race, Robinson suffered a punctured thigh by a brake lever, after she crashed her bike at high speed in the torrid conditions.

Despite the agony, Robinson refused to give up remounting her bike to limp across the line taking out fourth place.

The rain early Sunday might have discouraged some riders, however it didn't deter top class drawcards Paul Rowney and Perry Delacour to the event.

A brilliant performance by Rowney saw him take out the elite men's event saying that he was pleased with the track and the running of the show.

"I appreciate a XC track that is really a mountain bike track seeing as many routes nowadays are not that challenging anymore," he said.

"The Penrose track has everything in terms of technicality and fun to ride."

This round was the pairs final ride in Australian before they head off to America to continue with other riding commitments.

Another highlight of the day was when 15-year-old Frensham student Lindsay Gorrell took out third spot in her first-ever mountain bike race.

In the men's races, Highlands hopefuls Sean Lewis and James Williamson flew to come fourth and sixth respectively.

Moss Vale's Richard Vollebregt blasted the opposition in the masters event taking a 10 minute lead on his nearest rival.

Vollebregt is practically assured of being crowned NSW XC Mountain Bike series champion for 2002 when the contest concludes at Waterfall outside Sydney, in just three weeks time.

Younger local riders Chad Balding and Mark Feeney inflicted the same punishment in the sport men's race for a 1 - 2 result. As for the 45-plus age group Johann Esterhuyzen gave a good account of himself, endeavouring to match his son Joey's exploits in the under-15 category.

The under-15 sensation Joey Esterhuyzen continued his winning streak, notching up his third consecutive first place in the NSW State Series.

This feat was matched for impact by Matthew James, who like Joey, is a pupil at Bowral High School.

Matt achieved a stunning second place in only his third race meet ever.