HAWORTH’S Andy Peace has clinched his second podium in the Yorkshire Points Cyclo-Cross Series.

The Shibden Cycling Club member finished second in the men’s over-50 category in the eighth and final round of the series at Peel Park to back up his third-place finish in the previous round at Bradford’s other venue of Tong.

Peace said of the Peel Park course: “I enjoyed it. I like the conditions - heavy going and a bit technical.

“I hung on to winner Ian Taylor (formerly of Cononley) for as long as I could but once he had gone I could relax a bit as there was a big gap to (Stefan Macina in) third.”

This was only the third of the eight rounds that Peace has taken part in, and he explained: “I have had a bit of man flu and then I fell off my motorbike and got a sore knee so it has taken me a while to get going.”

Peace was also fourth in the North of England Championships at York in November on a very muddy course and is now preparing himself for taking part in the National Championships at Milnthorpe in Cumbria on January 14-15.

He said: “I hope that it is muddy again and I am hoping for a top-10 finish there as I am getting to the end of my age group.”

Back to Peel Park, and Sophie Thackray wore the team colours of Paul Milnes Bradford Olympic RC in winning the women’s race.

That result ensured she finished third overall in the Yorkshire Points Series behind Victoria Peel and Libby Greatorex.

But Eldwick rider Thackray is currently in something of a sporting limbo.

The 23-year-old is waiting to see the result of talks with her CAMS-Basso team to see if she has a road racing contract for this year.

She said: “I am speaking with the CAMS-Basso team, but for the next few weeks I will be wearing Paul Milnes kit.

“A road contract has been mentioned with CAMS-Basso, who I rode for last year, but I haven’t signed anything.”

By Bill Marshall