RHL Beach Race – in pictures

Riders go down dune 18, one of the largest dunes, during the main race Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Riders struggle to crest a dune – this angle shows the chaos and madness of the race in all its glory Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Junior riders in the 125cc class. Riders as young as seven can compete in the race Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

It looks like goggles didn't really help all that much Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

The race is also open to quads, as well as the more traditional motocross bikes Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Ryan Staveley manages to circumnavigate the pandemonium on the large dune during the main race Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Riders race down the beach on the opening lap of the main solo race Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

A bike breaks down as a jet ski overtakes – a mode of transport probably infinitely more suited to the day's tempestuous weather conditions Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

The dune does its best quicksand impression and tries its hardest to separate a rider from his bike Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Ian Cooper negotiates the whoops with the dapper sartorial inclusion of an inflatable pink flamingo Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

A marshall keeps a sensible distance as a mud-caked rider hurtles by at head height Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A rider guns the throttle upon landing Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Steve Price reaches the top of the dune and promptly sprays it over everyone behind him in a bid to get up in one piece Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

We're all used to seeing horses galloping along on the seafront. A motocross bike is a somewhat less tranquil image Photograph: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images