WYRE Forest Cycle Racing Club's evergreen veteran Joe Rowe took on the cream of the country's riders to finish runner-up in round one of the National Trophy cyclo cross series, at Pitville Park, Cheltenham.

Rowe entered the race in optimistic mood after fine form in the early rounds of the West Midlands League and he started well in the 50 years plus race.

With current National Over-50s champion Roy Hunt heading the leading group of eight riders, Rowe bided his time before attacking with two laps left, only to be pipped on the line by Hunt.

In the juniors race, Pete Banham was unfortunate to get tangled up in a crash early on.

But he remounted and despite a cut knee, worked his way through the field to finished in the middle of the final positions.

Phil Blacker was crowned the new club Hill Climb Champion after finishing the gruelling climb from Shelsley Beauchamp on Sunday, in five minutes eight seconds.

He was followed by Paul Prince in 5-26 and John Parker in 5-48.

Other times were: Karl Davies 5-57, Kris Doms 6-03, Ian Connolly 6-16, Dave Meacham 6-18, Jonathon Higgins 6-23, George Taylor 6-39, Brian Clarke 6-45, Louise Rotherham 9-18.

Gary Bartram finished 11th overall in the Gloucester city Hardriders 25-mile time trial on Sunday.

He crossed the line in one hour 1-44, missing a top 10 finish by just seven seconds.

For more details visit the website www.wfcrc.org.uk