WYRE Forest Cycle Racing Club's Joe Rowe raced to a superb first place in his age group and eighth place overall in the final round of the West Midlands cycle cross league.

The race at Hagley Park Sports College, Rugeley on Sunday, continued a superb season so far for the veteran.

H e finished eighth in the National Cycle Cross championships at Abergavenny, took bronze in the Midlands Cycle Cross championships at Darley Moor and also won the penultimate round of the West Midlands league.

Veteran rider Mick Gray has had a solid cycle cross season finishing in second place in round 12 and third overall in the league. Elliott Dinsdale rode strongly in the seniors race, finishing in a fine 10th place and 13th in the league overall.

On Sunday, the district's riders took part in the Cyclesport Midlands reliability trial which featured a 45 mile circuit from Worcester to Tenbury and back.

Dave Wood, James Smith, John Parker, David Barnes, Richard Pedersen, Nigel Williams and Gary Bartram all completed the gruelling ride well inside the 2 hours, 45 minutes time cut.

Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club's reliability trial from Stourport to Ludlow and back will be held on the Sunday February 20 and is open to all riders wishing to gauge how their winter training is progressing.

The ride will leave from Fabricolour, Foley Business Park, Kidderminster and details can be obtained from Pedersen on 07870 330435 or by visiting www.wfcrc.org.uk