A BROMSGROVE cyclist has seen his efforts pay off after snatching two podium places in the 2002 West Midlands Regional Track Championships.

Richard Deeley (pictured, above) took part in the prestigious event at Aldersley Stadium, in Wolverhampton, on Saturday, June 22.

The 23-year-old scooped second place in the individual 4,000m pursuit and came third in the 20km points race.

Richard has nine years of cycling experience under his belt. He now rides for Stourbridge Cycling Club and is a former member of Bromsgrove-based cycling club Eclipse and Birmingham CC.

He said: "I am really pleased with my performance especially as I normally ride road races and time trials more than track events."

The cyclist now plans to move back onto the road to see the season out and will end this year's racing in October by taking part in the National Hill Climb at the Cat and Fiddle, in Cheshire.

Coach Stefan Pearce said: "Richard is on top form - the best I have ever seen him - and he can only go from strength to strength next year."