Mechem shines on memorable day on Le Val des Terres

Saturday’s domestic hill climb culminated in a run-off emulating that of the postponed ‘National’ but using a unique format of six cars, six bikes, and two karts that went down especially well with the riders, who would not normally get a look-in.

There, Mechem topped a competitive bunch of motorcyclists with a 34.18sec. finale, his fastest in some time after a long competitive lull.

‘I’ve finished second so many times this year and I was determined I wanted to win today,’ he said.

‘It was really good that they decided to do that. It’s right at the end of the day, when people are usually wandering off and what have you, it really kept everybody at the top, and it was good to watch.’

Overall winner Nick Saunders, who missed his best narrowly with 27.70sec., also praised Mechem’s ‘stunning ride’.

‘I think the run-off is a great idea – why should the single-seaters take all the stage?’ he added.

• More in today’s Guernsey Press.