TOM Payton took a leaf out of his sister Hannah's book by producing the best ride of his career so far when coming second at the Midlands Cyclo-Cross Championships which were staged at Hardwick Hall in Chesterfield at the weekend.

Former Stourbridge CC rider Payton, who was representing Isla Bikes, pulled clear with two other riders, Paul Cox from Loughborough based Pedal Power RT and Mansfield cyclist John Harper.

Cox eventually dropped off the pace, while Harper pulled four seconds clear of Payton and held that advantage throughout the last lap to claim the men's title.

Payton's cause wasn't helped when he managed to gash his hand on a barbed wire fence!

Sister Hannah resisted the temptation of trying to make it a family double, pulling out of the women's race with a chest infection.

She will need to be at her best this Sunday when she travels to Bradford looking to hold onto her leader's jersey in the National Trophy Series.

Dad Kevin Payton came fourth in the Over-50's race at Hardwick Hall finishing a minute and a half down on winner Mick Davies from Pedal Power, who is ranked No.2 in the country.

There was another impressive ride by Anthony Neave, who looks to be the next rising star off Stourbridge CC's conveyor belt.

Following his success in the West Midlands League, 17 year old Neave came fifth in the Junior race, while Jayne Cheslin was an excellent seventh in the Over-40's race.