NEWLY-CROWNED national champion Chris Young was back on the winners podium at Ilkley Cycling Club's annual cyclo-cross event.

The former Stockbridge resident, who now lives in Shipley, doubled up successfully to claim both adult races.

Young, who works for British Cycling and puts a great amount back into the sport both in his professional life and as a volunteer, decided to ride down an age category in the Junior/Senior and Veteran (40-44) Men's race, despite V50 being his actual classification.

Young, who won the national V50 cyclo-cross title at Peel Park earlier this month, did not have it all his own way but came across the line first, followed ten seconds later by Steve Henshall (V40) of St Helen’s CC and Ilkley CC member Stefan Macina in third.

Other notable local successes in this race were Robert Watson, who was first senior male riding for Cross Hills-based team Paceline, chased in by ICC’s Ted Mason 48 seconds behind for the runner-up spot. Ted is more notable locally for his fell running prowess.

Young, whose regular club is Pedalsport, showed just why he is a national champion by taking first place over the line for the second time in the over-45 veterans race.

He was chased home by Macina (V45 riding for Aurelus Cycles based in Gargrave), with Young taking it by ten seconds.

In what was Ilkley's fourth annual cyclocross competition, the day attracted a big field of 324 competitors, 127 of which were children under 12.

The event was declared a success and was strongly supported by Yorkshire clubs and teams but also attracted riders from as far away as Aberdeen and Shrewsbury.