JACK FORD of Holme Valley Wheelers was the best-placed Huddersfield finisher in the Yorkshire Cyclo Cross Winter Series event at New College.
There were more than 150 riders taking part in dry but cold conditions and Ford finished fourth in the Under 10s, closely followed by teammate Tiras Waterman in fifth.
The race was won by Joe Pilling (Wakefield Junior Tri). Other local finishers were Tom Whitworth (Huddersfield RC) in 7th, Holme Valley Wheelers trio Fionn Kerry, Felicity Gledhill and Sunnivah Waterman in 11th, 15th and 16th and Ruby Boyes (Huddersfield Star Wheelers) in 19th.
It was the fourth meeting of the Try Cycling Cyclo Cross and incorporated the Yorkshire Under 12 Championships.
First off were the Under 8s and the winner was Sam Murray (Westbrook Cycles). Elphina Waterman (Holme Valley Wheelers) was ninth, her brother Soljai 13th, Alex Bailey (Huddersfield Star Wheelers) 14th and Hannah Whitworth (Huddersfield RC) 15th.
It was a battle between clubmates Reece Wood and Jake Beach (Aire Valley RT) for glory in the Under 12s with Reece coming out on top. Once again Holme Valley Wheelers were at the top end of the results sheet with Seth Waterman in fifth along with Ben Dickinson in 10th and Sam Taylor-Woodhouse in 24th. Christopher Bullett (Huddersfield Star Wheelers) was 19th.
The Under 16 race was won by Ed McParland (JD Cycles). Holme Valley Wheelers Leon Gledhill, Leon Taylor-Woodhouse and Alex France finished ninth, 15th and 28th.
As well as the events for youngsters there were also two highly-competitive races for Veterans and Women, plus Seniors and Juniors.
The Zepnat team of Matt Denby, Steve Barnes and Jough Watson took the podium places in the Veterans race with Giles Bailey (Huddersfield Star Wheelers) finishing best of the Huddersfield riders in 23rd, followed by fellow Star Wheeler Graham Piccavey in 26th.
Mark Buckingham of the Huddersfield Star Wheelers had a strong Cyclo Cross debut in the Seniors race finishing in 14th place, battling through the field after a slow start. Rob Watson (Paul Milnes RT) led the race from the gun for his first win at senior level.
The next race in the series is at Bradley Woods on Saturday October 31.
