A promising young rider from St Ives Cycling Club battled difficult race conditions to finish seventh in round nine of the Eastern Cyclo-Cross League at the Iceni Velo Cross course.

Olly Maynard, 19, travelled to the World Horse Welfare Centre in Snetterton on January 8, competing in a field of 34 competitors aged 16 or above.

In a cyclo-cross race, riders race across several different terrains and, at parts, must dismount their bikes and carry them over obstacles.

The weather made for muddy race conditions on an already varied and technical course which only deteriorated further as the race wore on.

Undeterred by the mud, Olly ploughed his way through the course and finished with a highly commendable time of 1h03:45, only five minutes behind the eventual winner.

A spokesperson for St Ives CC said: "Olly is a strong rider and the club hill climb champion.

"Olly is away at university at the moment and fits all his training and racing in around his studies."

The spokesperson added that the race was "very tough", but it was a challenge which Olly was equal to.