THE cyclist pedalling furiously down Worcestershire's leafy lanes isn't quite up to the standard of Olympic Games golden wonder Jason Queally.

But the 'mystery' biker is hoping his wheel of fortune soon takes a turn for the better after, by his own admission, a disappointing last 12 months.

Alfrick-based snooker professional Dave Finbow has recently swapped his cue for cycle clips in an attempt to re-discover the form that once threatened to make him a genuine contender for the game's top 16 elite.

"I found I was running out of steam in my matches so I set myself the task of getting fit and losing weight," explained Finbow.

"As a result I'm always down the at the gym and spending time on the bike, I'm probably doing about 100 miles a week.

The fitness regime has helped the 32 year old to become a shadow of his former self.

"I've lost two stones and I've got another half a stone to go," said the world number 39, who is hoping the sweat and toil pay dividends when he plays at Malvern next month in the Benson & Hedges Championship.

Finbow would love to make his mark at the Willie Thorne Snooker club - something that's proved beyond him in recent years.

The pressure of being the local favourite has always weighed heavily on his shoulder.

"I'd love to have a good run", says Finbow, "Not just because of the chance of going to Wembley and playing in the Masters. But also because I've got the UK Championship coming up as well next month and I need the points to lift my ranking. My problem is that I've been too inconsistent.

"When I'm good I frighten myself how well I can play. But when I'm bad I'm certainly not so clever. Technically, there's not too much wrong with my game and hopefully by getting fit I will finish matches that much stronger."

Finbow is also happier after selling his stake in the Warwick Snooker Club in Worcester over the summer.

"I soon discovered you can't combine running a club and playing," he says.

"So, I decided to get out and get my own practice table closer to home. A friend who I play cricket with had this old tin shed which we've converted into a snooker room.

"I'd originally been asking the farmers in the area if the had a barn or outbuildings I could use. So this is ideal. It's only ten seconds from my home and I can get plenty of peace and quiet without any hassles."

The B & H Snooker Championship starts its 12 day run at Malvern on November 5. The biggest draw card is six times world championship runner-up and 'People's Champion', Jimmy White.

Northern Ireland born Maureen McCarthy, who has adopted Malvern as her home, is the only female player in the event that provides the winner with a trip to the B&H Master at Wembley net February and a guaranteed prize of £15,500.

Admission to the tournament is free and further information can be obtained from the Willie Thorne Snooker club on (01684) 892147.