BROMSGROVE based cycling team MJS Racing's members have stepped up their preparations for the National Track Championships in recent weeks.

Richard Deeley set his best time of the season of 22 minutes and 12 seconds at the ten-mile time trial in Andover, Hampshire

Deeley also finished in the main bunch of the Warwick town centre circuit.

Nick Walford finished fifth in the ten-mile trial near Worcester, setting a time of 22.48mins.

MJS captain Rob Bishop set a new personal best of 59.33mins in a 25-mile trial in Derbyshire.

James Cunningham produced several strong performances at the Newark grass track meeting.

The team is now gearing up for the National Track Championships, which are held at Manchester Velodrome between October 3 and 7.

Coach Stefan Pearce said: "All our preparations have gone really well and I hope that we can turn in one more good performance after what has been a long season."

The only doubt for the championships is Chris Morris, who is still suffering from illness.

Morris was given his chance in June when he stepped in for the injured James Cunningham in the team pursuit squad at the Midlands championships.

Pearce said: "I hope Chris gets well soon as he has been an important part of this team from day one and I will be disappointed for him if he doesn't make the national championships."

Before his illness Morris rode the Duo Normad two-up time trial in France with Bromsgrove's Paul Prince and came eighth.

Martin Osman came sixth in the one kilometre time trial at the World Masters in Manchester. Osman, a double national track champion, will spearhead the team pursuit and sprint events for MJS in Manchester during October.