HAFREN Dirt Bike Club has hailed its returning heroes.

The Llanidloes based club was represented by Charlie Evans, Ioan Jones and Robert Jones at the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) in Portugal last month.

The trio competed against some of the best riders in the world over 36 special tests covering more than 1,300km and ended 19th in the team standings, the top British finishers.

Evans ended 16th on class and 29th overall while Robert Jones crossed the line in 44th spot and 65th overall and Ioan Jones ended 62nd and 107th overall.

The results ensured Evans returned home with a gold medal while the Jones’ each claimed silver.

The omens had not looked good when a ferry cancellation meant a long trip through France and Spain for the riders and their crew.

The trio enjoyed a promising opening day and ended 26th and leading British club team and overcame the dusty conditions of the Algarve to climb to 24th at the end of day two.

Day three proved testing for the Llanidloes riders but the Hafren stars still climbed the rankings to 21st place in the team rankings.

Day four saw each rider improve with Evans ending 17th in class and 32nd overall which saw him climb six positions to top his class.

Meanwhile Robert Jones ended 45th and 82nd in class while Ioan Jones set aside a disappointing third day to end 65th in class and 119th overall to climb the rankings by 15 places.

Day five proved the toughest day yet with Evans ending 16th in class and 37th overall while Robert Jones finished 44th in class and 64th overall with Ioan Jones 63rd in class and 143rd overall.

However the trio had still done enough to return home as Britain’s leading team and ended 19th overall out of 124 teams.

The riders thanked their sponsors and fundraisers whose support ensured they could compete.

The sponsors include: RM Group UK, Celtic Travel, Yamaha Offroad Experience, Welsh Motorcycle Federation, Sweetlamb Adventure Bike Academy, Bulk Automation Ltd, Endurotyres.com, Michelin Motorcycle, Freestyle Bikes, Oakwood Lodge Park, Dulson Training Ltd, Langford’s Welsh Sausage Co., Milwyn Jenkins & Jenkins Solicitors, Kevin Jones Cars Ltd, Arthurs’ Vauxhall, David Jones Motorcycles Newtown, Richard George & Jenkins Solicitors, Stagecraft Display Ltd, PCQ Solutions Ltd and Rees Agri Equipment.