CYCLING: STAR cyclist Jacob Knight sent a message of intent to his West Midlands Cyclo Cross League rivals by storming to the chequered flag in Birmingham.
Knight finished 34 seconds ahead of twin brother Harrison in Round Two of the championships, which was hosted Pype Hayes Park.
Nearly 40 Solihull riders represented the club as Knight took the lead during the second lap of eight following a shaky start which saw him relegated to eighth place after the first corner.
But Knight quickly made his way through the front riders and took full advantage of Barnes going into the pits to never lose to lead, extending it lap after lap.
It was a powerful 53 minute demonstration of cyclo cross riding from the 17-year-old on a tough course that suited the Knight brothers.
Knight said: “I felt good out there today.
“The course suited my strengths and once I took the lead on the second lap, I kept extending it.
“I’m looking forward to racing at Henley next week.”
Robin Fox, Solihull CC cyclo cross coach, said: “Cyclo cross has seen a huge increase in popularity in the last ten years.
“The club has been keen to keep up with this explosion.
“It’s an important part of the Solihull CC development pathway for its riders as the format provides a safe and fun introduction to competitive cycling for younger riders.
“The club continues to have local, national and international success in cyclocross in youth and junior categories and the performances of all the riders in the West Midlands league demonstrates the strength in depth the club continues to develop across the board.”
Other standout performances came from Rose Neely, who finished second in the Girls’ Under 8s race, while Max Saunders and Ben Woodhouse finished seventh and ninth in the U12s race.
Ella Tandy came home fourth in the U12s while a strong ride from William Ryan helped him bag fifth in the U14s.
