EAST Morton rider Annie Simpson has vowed to give it her ‘best shot’ this weekend as she bids to win her first National Trophy cyclo-cross series elite women’s title.

The 26-year-old, who is originally from Wilsden, lies second in the overall standings ahead of the final event in Shrewsbury on Sunday.

Long-time leader Hannah Payton is strong favourite to clinch the crown but Simpson is determined to push her road-race team-mate all the way.

She said: "Hannah and me both race for Drops Cycling Team on the road but we are on different cyclo-cross teams so there is a friendly rivalry between us.

"I know how strong she is and it is going to be tough to beat her. It’s good because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

"I've won the trophy series as a youth before and worn the yellow jersey a few times for a few races but never had an overall series win – this is the closest I’ve come to potentially winning it. I’ll give it my best shot."

Simpson was speaking in Bradford at the launch of the Asda Women's Tour de Yorkshire, a race in which she will compete in for the first time next year.

But while road racing with Drops is largely her prime focus, the former national mountain bike champion has been a top performer across several disciplines over the last decade and she remains a big fan of cyclo-cross.

Riding for Hope Factory Racing, she has not been out of the top four in the four Trophy events this season, her best finishes being runners-up spots in Derby and Ipswich last time out.

The former Bingley Grammar School pupil still trails Team Kinesis UK cyclist Payton, who has won three races, by 22 points. However, with 40 points for a win, she remains in title contention.

"I'll give it my everything but I have had a relaxed approach (to cyclocross) with the road season in the back of my mind," said Simpson, whose boyfriend Ian Field is level on points with Yorben Van Tichelt in the race for the men's elite title ahead of Sunday's finale in Shrewsbury.

"I'm quite surprised at how I’ve managed to be so consistent.

"I'm also looking forward to the National Championships in Bradford next month (at Peel Park on January 7-8). That will be great and hopefully we can put on a good show for another Yorkshire crowd."

Meanwhile, Simpson is relishing tackling the 2017 Tour de Yorkshire on Saturday, April 29, having missed out on the inaugural women's race this year as she was competing in Luxembourg.

The event will take place before the men's second stage on the same 122.5km course from Tadcaster to Harrogate.

She is thrilled at how her home county has become such a hotbed for cycling and renowned throughout the world.

She said: “I’ve cycled now for maybe 12 years and I'm thrilled to be able to tell other female cyclists that I’m from Yorkshire – the county is now on the cycling map and people know where it is.

“These are my training roads and are showcasing just how good Yorkshire is for cycling makes me feel ridiculously proud.”