THOSE of you who spend some of your leisure time walking the Malvern Hills may have occasionally noticed a young man on a mountain bike pounding past. The chances are that this mystery rider with the set expression is Liam Killeen, an athlete we believe is about to become a household name.

For Liam is not just any old cyclist. The mountain biker has just romped home to victory in the Commonwealth Games and taken a gold. In fact, the Worcestershire resident is no stranger to success, having scored a number of triumphs in previous events - but this latest achievement means that his participation in the 2008 Olympics is now a real possibility.

This newspaper takes great pleasure in announcing Liam's win. Apparently, he was struggling in the early part of the race, but managed a sudden rally and this enabled him to clinch an England one-two with team-mate Oli Beckingsale.

From where we're standing, it really does seem that Worcestershire is undergoing a competitive renaissance at the moment. A lot of water may have flowed underneath Worcester's Severn Bridge since the heady days when Beefy Botham and his mates were scorching the turf at New Road, but we get the feeling that this county is once again in the sporting ascendancy.

For the evidence is stacking up. Not only are Warriors riding high but basketball is also gaining in profile as Worcester Wolves climb the divisions. Now we have success on two wheels in the form of Liam Killeen. The only way is up.