Craig wins vets national 'cross title

Nick Craig has added to his collection of national titles by claiming victory in the veteran's race at the rescheduled National Cyclo-Cross Championships in Sutton Park, Birmingham today.

Reversing the result of the final National Trophy round at Rutland Water, the 40-year-old Scott UK rider took the win ahead of Darren Atkins (Coventry RC). He made his winning move with half a lap to go as the pair approached a woodland section.

"I knew I couldn't take it to a sprint," said Craig. "I noticed he wasn't that quick on a few of the corners and I tried testing a few things out halfway through. I knew if I could attack into the copse and come out with a gap then I would have it."

Behind the front two, Chris Young (JD Cycles Ilkley) crossed the line in third place to win the over-45s title. Meanwhile in the over-50s event, Ian Wright (Raleigh Avanti RT) successfully defended the championship he won last year.

The youth riders also settled their national championships today. Hugo Robinson (Ipswich BC) and Lucy Garner (Leicestershire RC) were the best of the under-16s while Billy Harding (Paul Milnes RT) and Kimberly English (Palmer Park Velo) took the under-14s titles.

The championships will continue tomorrow with the under-23s kicking off proceedings at 10:15am. women and juniors then follow, before the elite men get underway at 2:15pm.

Related links

Cyclo-cross National Championships preview

Early action: Atkins leads Craig...

...and still leads Craig...

...but Craig takes over

Hugo Robinson enjoys winning the under-16 title

Lucy Garner takes popular victory in the Midlands

Under-14 winner Biily Harding salutes like an old pro

Wright on the night: thumbs up from over-50's winner Ian Wright

Cheeky monkey: Solihull CC supporter