A YOUNG Bromsgrove cyclist literally went the extra mile after getting lost on a club time trial.

George Bate, aged 14, set off for Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club's 10-mile ride from Mere Hall, in Hanbury, last Thursday.

But he failed to return within 45 minutes and it was a further hour and a quarter before he showed up. The youngster had taken a wrong turn on the circular course and could not find the route back.

A search party was sent out but in the end George, safe and well, flagged down a passing motorist, who took him back to the start, much to the relief of fellow riders.

George though had little trouble in joining Genevieve Billington for their best races of the season last Saturday.

The pair recorded excellent results at Curborough Sprint Course near Lichfield.

George stayed with an experienced group of U14s in the scratch race to take eighth place, while Genevieve was the leading girl.

She then led the handicap race until the final six laps and George sprinted to third.

The British Schools' Cycling Association's West Midlands Regional Time Trial Championships take place at Hanbury tomorrow (Thursday) evening.