BIBBY CONFIRMS NATIONAL TROPHY FORM IN THE NORTH

VICTORY in the North of England title race for Ian Bibby, the National Trophy leader, was one of the less surprising results from today?s regional cyclo-cross championships, all of which were held in windswept but relatively dry conditions.

Bibby, the Trek-SiS rider from Preston, led a Lancashire one-two when he crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of defending champion Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing) at the end of a 14-mile course in the grounds of Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, east Yorkshire.

Bibby and Oldham went ahead together on the first of eight laps, the Trophy leader leaving his rival trailing near half distance as Rob Jebb, leader of the winning Wheelbase RT-Ron Hill team, was left to salvage bronze.

Defending champion Dave Collins (Scott UK) was a non-finisher after suffering an early crash in the Midlands title race at Hagley Park Sports College, Rugeley.

Collins was put into the barriers on the first lap and hurt his back, eventually pulling out after 40 minutes? racing and leaving Dan Booth (Pedal Power), confirming his recent good form, to take the senior title ahead of last season?s National Trophy junior series winner Tom Last (Evans Cycles RT).

Stuart Bowers (Hargroves Cycles) was unchallenged as he defended his South of England senior title at Southampton Sports Centre, where he crossed the line more than four minutes clear of under-23 rival Ian Legg (Red Kite Cycles).

Cycling Weekly fitness editor Hannah Reynolds (Evans) lifted the women?s title at Southampton, while her fellow CW scribe Dan Duguid (Sigma Sport RT) claimed the silver medal behind Alex Atkins (Glendene CC) in the South East championship at Strood, Kent.