A RECORD 384 riders entered the action packed Worcester St John's cycling club round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross league held at The University of Worcester Lakeside Campus.

The club fielded one of its strongest line-ups for years with competitors spanning  in age from four to 64.

 "The under twelves did particularly well and are currently in the third position in the highly competitive team category of the West Midlands League," explained Paul Sobczyk, young riders development officer for WSJ. "The girls did particularly well with two podium second places. Another three girls just missed out on the podium in fourth place."

Club member Kieran Holdstock said the youth team were all pumped up to be racing at home.

He said: "Putting in amazing rides is the norm for this gang," said Kieran. "It was great seeing them running around together after their races."

 Club riders Marie Riley came second and Debbie Hodson fourth in the 60 plus category.

Foreground Tom Forester crests a rise.Foreground Tom Forester crests a rise. (Image: Worcester St John's Cycling Club)

Dave Pullen leads the way up a grassy track.Dave Pullen leads the way up a grassy track. (Image: Worcester St John's Cycling Club)Debbie Hodson, who came fourth in the 60 plus category.Debbie Hodson, who came fourth in the 60 plus category. (Image: Worcester St John's Cycling Club)

In the senior men's race, local rider Robert Burns of Malvern Cycle Sport came first, with the best placed Worcester rider Chris Dent coming 22nd.

The largest field was in the 50 plus age group, with 103 riders at the start line. WSJ riders included Dave Pullen, Tom Forester, Martin Staines and Paul Sobczyk.