Stratford CC's Spencer claims big scalp at Newport

CYCLO cross and mountain biking have a few things in common, including the excitement of tackling tricky off-road terrain.

So when the national mountain bike champion for the under-12s decided to race in a cyclo cross at Newport, a treat was in store.

Champion Max Greenhill was up against Stratford Cycling Club stars Spencer Corder and Lewis Tinsley and their other rival Luke Harris from Halesowen, who did not get a look in for a change.

There was some skilled powerful racing with no quarter given but from the start Spencer made it obvious he was not going to be overtaken.

At high speeds, the three kept up a hectic duel and for a time it looked as though they would come home together.

However, Corder had other ideas and with a determined burst he produced a gap of 21 seconds at the finish.

The national champion had a battle on his hands to keep Tinsley at bay but just managed it.

With five races to go, it will be exciting to see if Tinsley can produce the results to take overall second spot away from Harris.

Other Stratford riders to finish were Joe Gregg (19th), Josh Barlow (20th) and Guy West (26th).

Reuben Phillips was 13th in the under-ten race, followed by Sam Abbott in 15th.

Elsewhere, in the under-eight race, the young talented Finlay Child was second followed by Ruben Stringfellow (4th) and Xanthe Phillips (4th) in the girls’ race. Rueben Child was again third in the under-six race.

In the other youth races, Baden Green was tenth in the under-14s, followed by Tom Charles in 12th. Connor Murphy was 13th in the under-16 event.

Stratford’s two senior riders in the 45+ race were Ian Tinsley (11th) and Danny Murphy (26th).