JOSEPH West, an under-14 cyclist from Haygrove School in Bridgwater, took part in a national series of races over the weekend at Milton Keynes.

This was Joseph’s first racing experience at national level, and after getting caught up behind a couple of early accidents he fought his way back into the leading group and then went off the front to lead the last lap until the final 50 metres when he was caught by the chasing group.

This was a strong first attempt at national level racing.

Joseph is also lying in third place in the southern region track (velodrome) series with one more meeting to go.

If he can hold on to this position the national finals at Welwyn Garden City will be next.