ORANGE’S Jacob Coles finished second in the NSW BMC Working Week Series State Championships near Newcastle over the weekend, while several less fortunate riders were seriously injured.

Coles came second in the men’s expert division, completing the Awaba track in a time of 2:17.91 - less than two seconds behind first place-getter Matt Jones.

Orange rider Tom Lewis finished eighth in the men’s elite division, well behind winner Joshua Button, who finished the course in a blistering 3:38.38.

While the mountain bike event proved a successful day for some, there were several serious injuries to participants.

Orange resident Joe Szyptko broke his arm during practice on Saturday and had to withdraw from Sunday’s race, while two other riders had to be evacuated by helicopter.

The evacuation caused considerable delays to the event and resulted in the course being changed for the men’s elite race.