JOE Rowe was denied the silver medal at the National cyclo cross championships, at Sutton Park, Birmingham, on Sunday, when he got caught up in a crash inside the final 300m of the 50 years plus veterans' race.

The Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club ace battled freezing rain and snow, attacking from the gun, and riding in the leading group of four riders, then competing for second and third place as favourite Roy Hunt, riding for SIS.com, went clear for the gold medal.

Rowe and one other rider broke away and by lap six was clearly in second place. However, a group led by Martin Booth closed the gap.

On the final lap John Galway attacked and in the ensuing chase, with the finishing line in sight, Rowe was hampered by a crash and lost several places, finally finishing sixth.

The previous weekend Rowe was crowned League of Veteran Racing Cyclists cyclo cross champion in the 50-55 years category at Darley Moor, continuing his good form of December, when he won the West Midlands cyclo cross championships and came third overall in the National Trophy series.

Phil Blacker also represented the club at the Nationals on Saturday, coming 39th overall.

Further details of club events can be obtained on www.wfcrc.org.uk