WORCESTER-based cyclist Steve Dring clinched the Mallory Park circuit race series in Leicestershire with his sixth win of the season.

He sprinted for victory to take an unassailable lead in the season-long competition.

It was an outstanding success for Dring, again helped by excellent team riding from his Stilton RT team-mates, Gavin Poupart and Gareth Sheppard.

Poupart was fourth in the sprint, from a nine man breakaway group, while Sheppard came in 14th with the main field.

In the Worcester St John's Cycling Club's midweek time-trial, Tim Wood left the rest standing with a fine ride of 21.34 for the 10-mile course at Severn Stoke.

Riding to the turn into a strong cross-wind slowed most riders, and his nearest rivals were Gavin Poupart 32.01 and Gareth Sheppard 23.38.

The remaining top places went to Mike Potter 25.17, Dave Walker 25.22, Richard Witherall 25.30, Kevin May 25.35, Martin Staines 25.43, Jon Starkey 26.14, and Pete Jansen 26.21

Martin Staines, just back from organising a CTC holiday in France, was first in the veteran's section.

Sarah Emerson, 26.21, was first lady from Maureen Burrows 27.47 and Gail Flanaghan 29.41.

n A top class field is expected from the Worcester St John's road race for the Evening News Trophy on Sunday at Severn Stoke, including last year's winner, Matt Stephens, riding for Sigma Sports.

He can expect fierce competition from Mark Lovatt, of Ribble Valley, Matt Bottrill, Bournemouth Jubi-lee, Danny Axford and Grant Bayton, VC Prestige and Roy Chamberlain, Sigma Sports, who won the race in 1998.

Several top class local riders will contest the 153-kilometres race, with Lee Finch and Adrian Bird riding for the St Johns, Tim Wood for Stourbridge CC and Steve Dring and Gareth Sheppard for Stilton RT.

The race starts from Severn Stoke at 9.30am and is sponsored by Wards Cycles of Worcester and Birmingham.