Young cyclists from across the country have been battling out for a national title in Lichfield.
The King Edward VI Leisure Centre welcomed 62 roller racing riders for the British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA) National & West Midlands Championships.
Local interest was high and saw Ben and Lewis Askey, Sophie and Emily Capewell, Connor Smith, Toby and Daniel Barnes, Amy Selibas, Erin Staite, Harry Yates, Matt Sisley, Isabelle Clarke and Jacob Kelly in the medal hunt after strong performances in the first two rounds.
A final 1,000m round saw tense finishes across all age groups.
Emily Capewell, riding in the under 14 girls event, gave her all to match her rival Sallie Birchall from Newcastle for one of the most thrilling ride offs. The girls had been neck and neck throughout the day and so it remained in the ride off. Both riders finished with exactly the same time. Judges therefore decided that they should share the National title.
Matthew Sisley of Nether Stowe School saw a determined spell of training since January, when he broke his arm, pay off as he took the National title for the Under 14 boys.
Sophie Capewell also riding in the Under 12 group won overall as did Ben and Lewis Askey in their respective categories.
Full details of results and times with photos of the event will be available at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/rollerracing.
