MONSOON conditions prevailed in the seventh round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League at Hatton Country World, near Warwick, on Sunday.

The deluge meant there was even more mud than usual.

Fortunately the recent dry weather kept most of the grassy tracks from becoming unrideable for the younger racers and kept speeds slightly above walking pace for the last race.

The under-12s were first and Bromsgrove Olymp-ique's under-12s series leader, Craig Talbot, had a hard time on his way to finishing fourth.

Genevieve Billington, series leading girl, rode well. She was 13th and the third girl. Jason Dingley was 14th and Nick Wilcox was 18th. Joe Underhill was 16th in his first ever race.

In the youth category, William Goulbourne repeated his excellent win of last week with another gutsy ride. Second and third places were again taken by Matt Lee, from Climb on Bikes, and Alex Billington.

A much improved ride by Ross Dingley moved him up to fifth, ahead of Peter Banham who was ninth. Second under-14 Chris MacDonald finished an excellent 13th.

Joe Underhill's older brother, Ben, also rode his first event and was a creditable 17th out of 22 riders.

The main event was a combined race for seniors, vets, juniors and ladies. Francine Billington took the ladies' race with Heather Wilcox third and Kate Salmons fifth.

Rob Twigg felt cheated by not having the last lap bell rung as he passed the finish on the penultimate circuit.

This meant he didn't ride his usual flat out final lap and lost the veterans' race by a few yards to take second.

Martin Barnett was ninth vet and Mike Cooper was tenth. In the senior category, Steve Talbot was 46th and Luke Twigg 49th.

This weekend sees the Reg-ional Championships at Leic-ester where Olympique will have a good representation.