MATCHAMS Park saw the welcome return of mountain bike racing on Sunday with the first of three new events promoted by dirttraxracing.co.uk.

Carol Tilley (ridecycleworks.com) took the win in the female race, beating local time trial expert Louise Dutch (votwo.co.uk) by several minutes.

After the race, Tilley said: "I was really pleased to win, especially beating Louise. The shortened course made for a tough race, with no parts of the course allowing you to take it easy."

Husband Roland won the Veterans' race, while also finishing second overall to Darren Blackwell (Cyclecare/Felt Racing).

Of the new race series, Tilley said: "We were both glad we supported the race.

"The organisers are very keen with the race both well organised and well marshalled. I hope that the next race is well supported as I think that the organisers are keen to put on other races during the summer, which will be good for the sport locally."

The next race in the series is on the 16th December with further details, including entry forms, at dirttraxracing.co.uk.

GRAY TAKES THE LEAD

LUKE Gray (Hargroves/Trant/Next) took the overall lead in the Cyclo-Cross National Trophy Series by placing second in the third round at Mallory Park, Leicestershire.

Held in wet, muddy and freezing conditions, Gray knew he would have to ride a very tactical race.

After making a good start from the front row of the grid, Gray used all of his race-craft to save vital energy for the second half of the race.

The critical split in the race came with Gray, Tom Moses (SSC Cyclesport) and Josh Papworth (Halesowen A & CC) forming a hard-working trio of riders.

Papworth was the first to be dropped from the group after a fall, and Moses soon made his move to break away from Gray after it became clear Gray's bike handling skills were superior.

Gray was one of the few riders that did not take a fall on the course, recording his third second place, 16 seconds behind the winner to take the yellow jersey for overall leader.

After the event, Gray said: "I was so cold and wet I lost complete concentration and forgot what I was doing in the closing stages of the race."

Stuart Bowers (Hargroves/Trant/Next) finished just behind team mate Tim Dunford in 18th place in the Elite race, clearly suffering in the conditions.