CYCLING: Stourport rider Liam Preece had a disappointing ride in the National U-16s Circuit Championships in Preston.

Preece was sprinting for the line with three other riders when he was brought crashing down and a mass pile-up resulted.

It put all but one of the seeded riders out of the race though, despite cuts, bruises and a broken bike, the Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club star finished 20th.

He is hoping for better luck on Saturday when he competes in the final round of the Curborough Youth League where he heads the series overall.

Meanwhile, Joe Rowe was the Wyre Forest club's leading rider with a fine display at the 36-mile LVRC North Bucks Racing Club's six-lap road race.

Rowe gained third overall and second in his age category in Towcester on Sunday from a field of 45 riders.

He broke away with five other riders on the fourth lap but the race was eventually won by ex-professional road racer John McMillan.

Rowe finished a disappointing 12th in the LVRC National Circuit Championships at Curborough circuit, near Lichfield, the day before.

The bunch was reduced to 14 riders for a sprint finish with Rowe in a leading medal position until he was forced onto the grass by another rider.

Howard Jones was fifth overall and third in his age group at the LVRC North Bristol CC 45-mile road race at Thornbury on Sunday.

The 30-rider field had to tackle the Milbury Heath climb four times where overall winner Joe McGee, of Elizabethan CC, broke away.

On Saturday, Wyre Forest promote the 24th Jean Baker Trophy Road Race.

In-form Wyre Forest riders Phil Blacker and Elliot Dinsdale carry the district hopes for victory on the Great Witley circuit.

The start time is noon with the finish taking place on top of the Woodbury Hill climb at about 2.15pm.