YOUNG cyclists from the district excelled as the latest round of the Cyclo Cross North East series headed to Penrith.

Three winners in the latest outing at Flusco, in the Cumbrian town, hailed from Tynedale, while there were also podium finishes elsewhere.

Staking a claim for back-to-back titles in the junior category, Fin Robertson, of Halton, near Corbridge, was victorious in round eight of the competition.

His final time of 42:03.1 over the mud-filled course was nearly two seconds faster than Derwentside Cycling Club teammate Thomas Mein.

Just missing out on the podium was Hexham lad Fergus Robinson, representing Allen Valley Velo, as he settled for fourth place with 49:18.5.

Moving up an age category after being crowned U14 champion last year, Oliver Draffan, who lives in Castleside but goes to Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School, claimed success at the weekend in the U16 category.

The Derwentside rider breezed over the line with his time of 25:53.4 was nearly six seconds better than the runner-up.

Teammate Roisin Lally, of Hexham, put in an impressive display to clinch victory in the U14 girls‘ race. She finished the route in a time of 38:27.5 to end the weekend with a great win to her name, while fellow Tynedaler Bethan Nitsch was second.

There were two podium finishes for local riders in the female veterans’ 40 category.

Allen Valley Velo duo Sue Rigby and Lucy Siddle were second and third with times of 41:04.4 and 41:17.2 respectively, finishing behind category winner Bev Martin, of Adept Precision RT.

Cestria Cycling Club will host round nine at The Hermitage Academy, in Chester-le-Street on December 20, with racing returning with a Boxing Day fixture at Temple Park, in South Shields.