MARK James took a home victory as over 200 riders from across Wales descended on the Foxley Estate, in Mansell Lacy, for the third round of the Welsh Cyclo-Cross League.

Heavy overnight rain made conditions tricky for competitors on a course which included various terrain including ditches and grass sections.

James got his season underway with a victory in the Western Cyclo-Cross league event at Gloucester.

He followed that with a second place at Builth Wells in the second round of the Welsh League.

At the Foxley Estate, James went one better securing a home victory.

"The Herefordshire race was held in muddy conditions," added James.

"It was a mud test because of the rain with ditches and a bit of running."

A staggering 109 youngsters took part in the youth races throughout the morning.

They were followed by 108 riders in the juniors, men's, women's and veteran categories.

In the under-16 boy's event Emyr Truelove, from Dilwyn, finished fifth.

Clare Evans (Ely Race Club) was in action in the senior women's race and also finished fifth.

In the senior men's event Thomas Vale (Ely Race Club) took 14th position.

Meanwhile in the veteran's 40-49 age category Michael Greaves, in the colours of host club Gannet CC, finished 20th.

Along with James in the veteran's aged 50-59 age category race was Tim Hutchinson (NFTO Cycling Club) who fought his way to sixth place.

The previous day West Midlands Champion, James narrowly missed his first national podium by one second at Derby.

James added: "At Derby I did well and was in third until the last lap when National Champion Pete Middleton caught me on the last lap and just edge me out.

"It was a really fast course with long straight and quite a few grassy corners so wasn't my cup of tea."