NEARLY 400 riders from across the West Midlands gathered for Worcester St John’s cycling club’s most prestigious event in the cycling calendar earlier this month.

Sixteen members of the club took part in round 6 of the West Midlands cyclocross event at Lakeside Campus, Holt, hosted by the Worcester club, which produced an impressive set of wins from U8s to over 50s.

The event attracted current and past national champions with club volunteers organising the various races, course practice and marshalling duties.

In the U8’s competition, the club’s Wilfred Dunne finished first, with Zach Buckley 14th; Sydney Dunne 4th and Isabelle Dent 2nd.

In the fiercely competitive U10s race, Harley Baker was 32nd, Wilf Davis 19th and Austin Holdstock 11th. In the 40+ category, Chris Dent came 18th.

In the congested 50+ race, club riders made a big impression with Henry Harbord 99th; Paul Sobczyk 97th; John Holden 94th; Neil Tipping 90th; Martin Staines 85th; Dave Pullen 52nd; Paul Guest 26th and Tom Forrester 21st.

Paul Sobczyk, who helped organise the event and coaches club youngsters said: "16 club riders took part in this fantastic event and we are all very proud of its success.

"With volunteers in matching outfits and the club gazebo we had a tremendous presence. This is competitive off-road bike racing for all ages and abilities and is extremely popular."