VETERAN cyclo-cross rider Mark James had a weekend to remember when he recorded a National Trophy podium and local race win.

Riding in the veteran aged 50 to 59 category James travelled to the South of England Showground near Crawley on Saturday for round four of the series.

After picking up a podium and two top-five finishes in the previous rounds James was back at the front of affairs.

He clinched third after leaving his rivals on the last lap in the tough and muddy conditions.

"The National Series went down to the last lap and there was four of us duking it out for third," said James.

"I attacked and got away on the last half to secure another podium.

"The course had a bit of everything, some flat sections which were boggy and some steep banks which I had to shoulder my bike up.

"There was also some technical descents, it was pretty relentless."

The following day James made the shorter trip to Leigh Sinton Farm in Worcestershire for the eighth round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League.

The Hereford cyclist was in emphatic form in the veteran's over-50 event riding away from his rivals.

"Both races were muddy but good," added James.

"I led (at Leigh Sinton) from the second corner and won by one minute and 18 seconds which I was happy with.

"Some of the boggy sections I was just grinding a gear and ploughing through.

"Over the back of the course there was a few drops and some pedalling around the lakes.

"It was very similar to the National Trophy the previous day."