THREE riders from the Malvern area won titles at the National Cross Country Mountain Bike championships at Bringewood, Ludlow.

Ben Dale, formerly of West Malvern Road who now lives in the Homend, Ledbury, won the Masters category (aged 30-40) by over two minutes from previous champion John Veness (Team Kona).

Ben, aged 30, who rides for Climb on Bikes, said: "I was surprised. It was the first time I have beaten John (Veness) this year and I am second to him in the National Series at the moment. But the course suited me and I turned it round this time.

"Winning the race means I can wear the championship jersey for the next 12 months which is great."

Ben still has two more races in the Midland Series but is favourite to win that and holds top spot with three wins out of five so far.

He won the Midland Championship recently and was runner up in the Southern Area championship after having problems with his bike.

Ben won the National Expert championship in 1997 but this category was not recognised by the world body.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Liam Killeen retained the national U23 title, two minutes and 45 seconds ahead of Phil Spencer, and Belinda Tarling (Cheltenham & Co) from Welland also retained her Masters Female title two minutes and 42 seconds ahead of Gaynor Lea (Climb on Bikes).