A BROMSGROVE fireman is over the moon after winning his first open road race of the year on Sunday.

Phil Blacker, riding for Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, took victory in a 70km event near Stratford.

The course included a 14 per cent hill climb on each of the three laps.

On the final climb, seven riders, including Phil, pulled away but with two miles to go the bunch caught them up.

Blacker maintained his position at the front of the bunch in the run in to the finish.

With 100m left up a short sharp hill, Phil made his move and won by a clear two bike lengths.

Phil said: "I'd practised the finish the previous two laps - going hard up the hill in the right gear - and that paid off in the end.

"I'm chuffed to bits."