Last Sunday saw two youth riders, Will Davies and Emily Nelson both from Lichfield City Cycling Club, travel to Budleigh Salterton in Devon for the first round of the National Trophy Cyclo Cross Series.

Lichfield City’s head coach Mick Davies and current National Champion Ian Wright took the two youngsters round the course the day before giving expert tips for the tricky terrain.

As the sun shone the race started in a cloud of dust and the large field of riders battled and jostled for positions. Will and Emily had to manoeuvre their way round a course with steep hills, sharp corners, sudden descents and hurdles. Both riders, although still only 12 years old, rode very well round the technical course. Will Davies finished 14th boy with Emily Nelson taking 3rd girl in the under 14’s.

Ian Wright, who now rides for Raleigh, raced a little later in the day making some of the difficult terrain look like child’s play. Ian finished 2nd place in the veteran category.