BRIAN NORTHING hit winning form in the Percy Stallard two-day stage race with an age-group victory on the final 44-mile stage.

Northing, who is sponsored by legendary Irish Tour de France winner Stephen Roche, secured his age-group victory over four laps of the testing Bashall Eaves circuit near Clitheroe.

Saturday's first stage was held in heavy ran over 30-laps of the purpose built Scale Hall circuit at Lancashire. All the survivors were placed at the same time following a race of punctures and hard luck stories, they had everything to ride for the following day.

The weather improved overnight for the road stage and when a group of nine riders formed by half way Northing made sure he was in contention. He resisted every attack over the last lap and was well placed on the final long drag to the line to record his first win of the season.