BROMSGROVE cyclist Joe Rowe (pictured) has become a veteran cyclo-cross national champion after a superb performance.
Rowe, aged 54, was second overall in the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists national cyclo-cross championships at Darley Moor Sports Centre, in Ashbourne, Derbyshire on Sunday, January 4.
But the Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club rider was the first person home in the 50-55 years category, giving him the national title for his age group.
On a hard and muddy course, the Wellington Road resident needed 40 minutes to cross the line behind overall winner Nick Wood of South Pennine RC.
Wyre Forest's Mick Gray finished fourth in the 65-68 years age group in his first cyclo-cross race for 33 years.
Joe was hoping to continue his good form in the national cyclo-cross championships veteran and over 50s section at Sutton Park, Birmingham, last Saturday, but had not fully recovered from a cold.
He attacked from the gun and was up with the leaders on the first lap only to be caught up in a crash and emerging towards the back of the field, eventually finishing in 14th place.
Elsewhere, Bromsgrove's Phil Blacker had a hard time in the Elite men's championship last Sunday, finishing 51st in a quality field of national riders.
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