Beckingsale wins last race

OLYMPIC mountain bike rider Oli Beckingsale (Giant) won a close finish to secure the final round of the Western Cyclocross League.

Beckingsale, pictured, who has competed for Great Britain at the last three Games, and Lee Williams (Abergavenny RC) had broken away from the field on a treacherously icy and fast course at Holmleigh Park, Tuffley, Gloucester, on Sunday.

Compacted ice made cornering extremely difficult and there were many falls during the race, which attracted a big field with neighbouring leagues not staging events at the weekend.

The overall Western League winner is Scott Chalmers (John's Bikes RT), who will be racing in the Under-23 event at the National Championships being held at Peel Park in Bradford, Yorkshire, over the weekend.

Beckingsale will be competing in the senior event along with other Western League riders Simon Burgess (Dream CC) and William Bjergfelt (Felt Racing).

● The 104km Jack and Grace Memorial Ride takes place on Saturday, January 17, starting at 9am in Almondsbury. For entry details go to www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm