HANNAH Payton continues to head the pack in this season’s National Trophy Series after snapping up second place at Milton Keynes this week.

Following her victory at the previous race in Durham, Kingswinford cyclo cross star Payton was looking to extend her lead over rival Annie Simpson.

It was Simpson who made the early running, but she fell away badly in the closing stages and could only manage 12th place.

Instead a new rival has risen to challenge Payton in Spanish rider Merce Pacios Pajado.

She shadowed Payton for much of the race before attacking late on to pull clear and win by an impressive 39-second margin.

The Spaniard has now become the main threat to Payton’s chances of winning the Trophy Series, with the pair resuming battle at Bradford in two weeks time.

Brother Tom Payton came 26th in the senior race, which was won by national champion Ian Field, while dad Kevin Payton came 11th in the Over 50s veterans race.

The rest of Stourbridge Cycling Club were out in force at Newport, in Shropshire, competing in the final round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League.

The outstanding ride was provided by Anthony Neave, who won the junior race and with it the overall title.

Livy Alsop came third in the under-16’s race, while Eleanor Cheslin was fifth in the under-14 girls contest.