rutal heat wave, the world’s best mountain-bike racers have left Kamloops.

And organizers of the inaugural Intermontane Challenge couldn’t be happier with their short stay.

“I think, overall, the event was a success,” Chuck Brennan, the event’s lead organizer, told KTW.

A total of 107 riders from across the globe — including Germany, South Africa and the U.S. — descended on the hills of Kamloops last week (July 27 to 31) to take part in the world’s richest mountain-bike race, with $60,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.

The race was such a hit, organizers expect the Intermontane to be back in the River City next year.

Brennan said the general consensus from riders was they liked the race, while many promised to return for another crack at the course.

He also noted particularly strong support from event volunteers and sponsorship.

Organizers plan to sit down with the B.C. Lottery Corporation, the lead sponsor, to hammer out a long-term relationship.

But, like any first, there were a few flat tires along the way.

Some of the more elite riders commented the course wasn’t as well marked as it should have been, while the heat proved to be a challenge on its own.

Brennan expects a number of changes for next year’s five-stage race, including changing the date of the race to a more temperature-friendly time.

“We’re tentatively booked for this time next year, but we’re definitely going to move the race to find a spot that’s a little cooler to handle,” he said.

The course will likely see a change in design and there are plans to have a day of rest during the week-long race.

Brennan said the move will ensure the race ends on Saturday so the city can get more involved.

“Next year will definitely be a little different product,” he said.

The race also hit a patch of controversy during the third stage after someone sabotaged the trails.

Due to the confusion, the day’s results were scratched.

Brennan called the incident “unfortunate,” but said organizers want to move on from the snafu.