HARTSHEAD MOOR rider Abby-Mae Parkinson (RST) powered her way round Temple Park in South Shields to take victory on the fourth round of the Cyclo Cross National Trophy Series.
In a superb display of determined riding Parkinson took the lead in the first lap and kept the pressure on her nearest rivals Amira Mellor (Holme Valley Wheelers) and Grace Garner (RST) and took her most impressive win of the series by almost 40 seconds.
Mellor also put in a fine performance and for much of the race was holding on to second place ahead of Garner and Sarah Lomas (Matlock CC).
However, in the final lap Garner dug deep and put in an extraordinary effort to nudge Mellor into third just metres from the line.
Parkinson’s victory puts her in lead position in the series standings with 154 points, from Mellor on 124 and Garner on 92.
Points are awarded on a descending scale of 40 for a win, 34 for second, 30 for third and 26 for fourth.
With just two rounds to go it looks as if it is a battle between Parkinson and Mellor for the title.
In the Junior race Mirfield rider Jake Womersley (Sportscover) put in another sterling performance to take fourth place, despite being knocked off his bike earlier in the week on a training ride.
Jack Ravenscroft (Solihull CC) took the win on the day and is the series leader with 126 points.
Womersley is second on 124, with Billy Harding (Paul Milnes/Bradford Olympic) in fourth on 112.
With just two rounds remaining this is a tough one to call, but Womersley is looking stronger meeting by meeting.
In the Women’s race Womersley’s aunt, Louise Robinson (Isla Bikes), made it four wins out of four with another display of focused and intelligent riding. Though this win was not quite as emphatic as her previous three, she is in a commanding position to take the series title.
