HUDDERSFIELD Star Wheeler and Holmfirth Harrier Mark Buckingham was the stand-out third in the British Elite Duathlon Championships at Loughborough.

The event comprises a 5km run followed by a 20km bike ride and a 2.5km run to finish.

Buckingham finished in an exceptional third place in 57min 03sec.

Buckingham’s performance may be good enough for him to qualify to represent Great Britain in the European Championships in Nancy, France at the end of this month.

There was no joy for Buckingham in his first road race of the season in the Frank Morgan Memorial in Kirkby.

The race for 2nd, 3rd and 4th Cat riders was won by top junior Lewis Balyckyi (Team Wallis).

Buckingham missed the break and any chance of points but Ben Page, racing in his first year as a senior for Brighouse’s VS Cycles, finished in sixth in the 90km race.

Young riders over 12 should head to Richard Dunn Sport Centre in Bradford next Monday and Thursday for some Go Ride Road Skills & Racing with Yorkshire Go Ride coach Chris Young. Sessions run from 10am until 2pm and cost £7.50. Information from Chris on 07940 738362.