Thousands of visitors flocked to Weymouth yesterday to watch this year’s beach motocross.

The event, which is organised by Purbeck Motocross Club and Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, got pulses racing as riders flew through the air putting their pedals to the metal.

This year a record number of riders competed within the three categories – junior, senior and expert, including Dakar Rally winner (ex Purbeck member) Sam Sunderland.

After Dorset was hit by Storm Brian on Saturday, yesterday was a lot calmer. There were a few showers during the event but it remained largely dry although windy.

Alf Stearn, President of Purbeck Motocross Club said: “This is the largest number of entries on record, we have never had as many as this before. There were 344 entries.”

There was only one significant injury on the day, which happened during the practice race. A rider came off his bike after a number of riders fell in front of him. The injured rider was then taken to the on-site ambulance and checked over by paramedics, but wasn’t taken to hospital.

Mr Stearn added: “We have incidents like this every week in motocross, and we try to design the course to minimise it, but because it is on sand the track is changing all the time these things happen. The riders are a tough old bunch. It is not anybody’s fault."

Despite the incident, residents and visitors alike continued to watch the races with anticipation and enjoyment.

Dorset Echo:

Dan Scott, a resident, said: “We looked at the weather and decided to come down to the beach. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it’s a local event and its brought a lot of people out.

Brian Mattimer, a holidaymaker, said: “I didn’t know it was on, but it’s been good. I think there has been a great turnout and it’s quite exciting.”

Andrew Buxton, a resident said: “It’s been good, we come down every year and live in the area. We have bikes and like watching it.”

The money raised from this year’s event will go towards to the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club charity fund, which donates money to good causes in the area.

Roger Hogbin, President of Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, said: “I think running the event out of season is good for the town. This is one of the biggest events we do. The money from the event helps our charity fund which goes towards good causes in the town.

“We are delighted that there was sunshine and blue sky. Last year we had good weather and we thought it was a one off, but today has been almost a repeat of it. I am pleased to say that there was a brilliant turnout.”