Top quality cyclo cross comes to Shrewsbury on Sunday when Mid Shropshire Wheelers promote round nine of the West Midlands League at the Sundorne Sports Village.
Generous sponsors have contributed to a prize fund of £3,000 to be split between five different ranges, with the under-10s first off at 10.15am and the seniors completing the event at 2pm.
Organiser Dave Mellor said it was the biggest prize fund he had seen at any race, regional or national, this season.
“The Sports Village is a fantastic asset to the town and Mid Shropshire Wheelers do fantastic work in youth development week in week out, and all on a voluntary basis,” said Mellor.
“We hope to see at least a couple of home victories from riders who have benefited from the coaching from George Watkins and Dave Nicholas.
“GB international Luke Grivell-Mellor and Welsh champion Tomos Owens may be top of the pile right now but there will be up to 30 other MSW youngsters breathing down their necks during the day’s racing.”
Entry is free for spectators to watch the region’s best cyclo cross riders in action.
There will be live commentary, while hot food and drinks will be available at the Village’s Severn Restaurant.
Youngsters who want to have a go will also be very welcome.
Meanwhile, it was business as usual for 17-year-old Grivell-Mellor in the fourth round of the National Cyclo Cross Series in Bradford.
After a run of bad luck with crashes, punctures and a snapped chain, he was looking for a podium position to keep in contention for World Championship selection.
A poor start left the Shrewsbury prospect with work to do but he stuck to his task well to end up in an impressive fourth spot.
Clubmate Owens made it three under-12 national championships out of three when he added the Welsh Cyclo Cross Championship to his road and track wins.
While the Midland Championships in Matlock were called off, Owens made the journey to the Welsh Championships and produced another fine display to become champion.
By Stuart Dunn