CYCLING: Wyre Forest CRC rider Steve Vanes found his last race in the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League a muddy slog.

Promoted by Rugby Velo at the Mallory Park racing circuit, the overnight frost had been thawed out by several races before the senior race started.

Preferring fast undulating courses, Vanes found the conditions tough, although he managed to keep in touch with the early pace setters for half the race.

However, the conditions and fatigue from racing nearly every week for the last eight months began to tell and he slipped back a few places finishing ninth in the senior event.

Vanes will now take a well-earned break resuming his training after Christmas more motivated than ever after a successful time trial season in the summer and success in his cyclo cross races over the last few months.

Anyone who wants more details about Wyre Forest can go to wfcrc.org.uk to find out more.