RIDERS from the district weren’t overawed as they made the trip to Bradford for the next instalment of the Cyclo-Cross National Championships.

Heading to event at the muddy Peel Park, the youngsters made their mark with some players high up in the national rankings.

Leading the way was Oliver Draffan (below), a pupil at Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School, as he just missed out on a place in the podium by finishing fourth in the U16 race. As a result of the fantastic ride, the current North-East champion accumulated 78 championship points to go towards his total.

Fellow Derwentside Cycling Club member and QEHS pupil, Roisin Lally, of Hexham, also put in a great performance as she took part in the U14 girls’ race.

Against fierce competition, she crossed the line in sixth spot for a best placing in the national series to date.

Fin Robertson, also of Derwentside, has made the step up to the men’s U23 category, and has been holding his own against some excellent riders.

He showed how far he is progressing by claiming eighth in the class, which also included Hexham’s Fergus Robinson, representing Allen Valley Velo, who impressed to take 14th.