TWO local riders are part of the Ludlow-based Climb-on-Bikes mountain bike cross-country race team which is poised to compete in the National Points Series over six rounds around Great Britain.

The National Championships, hopefully still to be held at Ludlow, and five rounds of the Midlands Super Series.

One other event of international status is the 'Red Bull' 24 hour Mountain Bike Team race being held in Sandwell Valley Park, Birmingham.

The Climb-on-Bikes race team consists of four riders:- 1 Ben Dale - Pro-elite; 2 Stuart Griffiths - Masters (aged 30-40); 3 Jake Pain - Expert; 4 Matt Lee (- Youth (15-16 years).

Malvern rider Ben Dale has risen through the categories to National Champion at Expert level and now mixes it with the countries top professionals.

Stuart Griffiths was third overall in 2000 in the National Points Series in the Masters category and is hoping to improve on his achievement in 2001.

Jake Pain is a young rider who has turned senior and started racing directly into the 'Expert' class.

Matt Lee, aged 15, from Bishops Frome, is the youngest member of the team who has progressed from a club member into a supported rider and has also represented the region on a road race event in Ireland.

Climb-on-Bikes are hoping to encourage more young riders off the road and to this end the race team has obtained some excellent high profile sponsors to enable them to assist the race team members but also to promote rides 'off road' for youngsters. More details will be available soon, as the project has been delayed by foot and mouth closures.

The list of sponsors make for impressive subsidised race kit for youngsters and would be envied by most professional teams.

Sponsors: Hereford Landrover, Tescos Ludlow, Advance Peripheral Systems (Security) Worcester, Dave Lowe Contractors Leominster.

Climb-on-Bikes race team and club members in partnership with the West Mercia Police cycle team have three teams in the Red Bull 24 Hour Mountain Mayhem race.

Matt Lee, due to his age, is unable to race, so the team have drafted in Malvern's Tom Fowler (Pearce Cycles) from the Expert category into the main team. They are hopeful of a top ten place against international teams.

Dave Lee, Climb-on-Bikes Race team co-ordinator, says of the event: "It tests your endurance, stamina and mental attitude."