THEY are one of the most successful cycling clubs in the Midlands and this month sees them begin the defence of their West Midlands Cyclo Cross League crown.

Bromsgrove Olympique Cycling Club, based in the Royal British Legion, in Birmingham Road, has won the league for two of the last three seasons and has built up a fierce rivalry with the other winners Wolverhampton.

But club racing secretary and chairman of the cyclo cross, Ian Billington, is not completely optimistic of Olympique's chances.

He said: "I wouldn't say I am 100 per cent confident that we will win. Wolverhampton are very keen to take it back off us so it will be a pitch battle.

"They took it off us last time. We should be trying but it's not definite."

The Cyclo Cross, off-road, season starts this month and runs until the end of February to complete the winter season. Racing takes place both on bikes and on foot as riders have to run with their bikes over some parts of the courses.

Points are tallied throughout a 12-race campaign to determine the winner.

But before the winter season kicks in, the club has some unfinished business to attend to in the summer calendar.

From March to September, riders compete in road races, circuit races and on the track, using racing bikes, fixed wheel bikes and mountain bikes.

Matt Lee, aged 16, and 14-year-old Peter Banham are both set for second places in their respective age groups on mountain bikes while Will Goulbourne has also enjoyed a successful few months.

Ian added: "We are one of the strongest clubs in the Midlands and as a youth team, us and Halesowen have the strongest teams in the West Midlands."

But although the club promotes youth development, it doesn't solely focus on the younger ages.

Formed in 1948, Olympique, which takes its name from the Olympic Games, held in London that year, has 70 members aged between five and 70-years-old.

All age groups race in both the summer and winter leagues as well as meeting at the Royal British Legion on a Monday night.

And in July, the club received the second of two £3,000 lottery grants, which have helped fund equipment such as heart monitors and bike accessories.

Ian has been involved with activities since 1979 and has a wealth of experience as a rider both at home and abroad.

His family are also keen cyclists as three of his four children, 16-year-old Alex, 18-year-old Francine and Genevieve, aged 11, all race for Olympique.

The 52-year-old also acts as a youth development officer for the club and helps organise at least ten time trial events in Hanbury each year.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club, can contact Ian on 01527 833847.