Alex Welburn who recently joined Lichfield City Cycling Club travelled up to the Lake District at the weekend to take part in the 9th annual Grizedale Mountain Bike Challenge.

Over 630 competitors battled it out over a gruelling 34 mile course that took in nearly 6000 feet of climbing.

Alex, just 15, won the under 18 category in 3 hours 20 minutes, some 7 minutes ahead of his nearest rival and finished a very creditable 40 th overall in the seniors race.

A tired but delighted Alex is seen here receiving his first prize of a set of Ay Up off road lights from the event organiser

His next race is less than 2 weeks away when he will be taking part in a 12 hour “Dusk till Dawn” endurance event in Thetford Forest.