IPSWICH BC hosted round two of the National Cyclo-Cross Trophy series on the new Chantry Park course and attracted leading riders from through the UK for a top-class day's sport in brilliant sunshine.

IPSWICH BC hosted round two of the National Cyclo-Cross Trophy series on the new Chantry Park course and attracted leading riders from through the UK for a top-class day's sport in brilliant sunshine.

With the event's headquarters at Suffolk Cricket Club, a tricky course proved tough and demanding - and was an unexpected added spectacle for elderly visitors to a nearby bowls club coffee morning.

Altogether there were nearly 190 riders, with the Ipswich host club doing its bit with a team of 14.

In the main elite race, Bungay printer Shaun Aldous (Interbike RT), who is leading the East Anglian Daily Times-sponsored Eastern Region League, came 19th, with Nathan Miller (Ipswich) 23rd, Hugo Hocknell (Angliasport) 30th and rival Nick Ainsworth (Fat Birds) one place behind. Diss and District CC rider Ian Newby finished 39th.

The race, although marred by an early crash which held up many riders, was run at a fast pace. It was won by German rider Malte Urban, from the Heinz Von Heiden Team, who arrived at Gatwick late the previous evening after competing on Saturday in the third round of the Cyclo-Cross World Cup at Tabor, in the Czech Republic, where he finished 17th.

The most significant result of the day was Luke Newby's eighth place in the youth event. The 14-year-old member of the Diss and District Club - who is leading his class in the Eastern League - had moved up four places from his round one result at the Cheltenham National Trophy venue. Hugo Humphreys (Lea Valley Youth CC) was 12th, ahead of Matthew Cook (Mildenhall CC) in 17th.

The Eastern Region's strength in depth in the youth trophy bodes well for the future, with William Meadows (Ipswich BC) 20th and, Tom Castle (Ipswich) 23rd. Of the Under-14 riders, Hugo Robinson (Ipswich) was 26th, Oliver Rossi (Lea Valley) 28th and William Adams (Mildenhall) 34th, with Hannah Robinson (Ipswich) one place behind, and Matthew Constable (Ipswich) 40th and Robert Green (Ipswich) 41st.

In the Veterans' Trophy, the first local rider home was league leader Mark Farrow (API/Metrow) in lucky 13th, with Julian Parker (Ipswich) 23rd, Dave Copland (Ipswich) one place behind, Tim Butler (Ipswich) 33rd, Robert Smith (Ipswich) 34th, Chris Jillings (Ipswich) 39th, David Constable (Ipswich) 41st and Dominic Castle (Ipswich) 48th.

This Sunday eastern riders are back in league action in round six at New Eccles Hall School, near Attleborough, the event organised by Norwich ABC. The first race is at 11am. For details contact Darrel Glover on 01953 455772 or 07050 038048, or e-mail drgbodyshop@tiscali.co.uk