Scott Thwaites, of Burley in Wharfedale represented Skipton's Ermysted's Grammar School and V.C. Voodoo, in the British Schools' Cycling Association National Cyclo-Cross Championships held at Allestree Park, Derby.

Young Scott carried off the title to complement the Yorkshire and North East Titles he won earlier in the year.

Heavy rain during the previous week provided the riders with a greasy top surface and deep mud on the wooded single track sections.

After a steady start, which found him sixth after the first lap, Scott began to adjust to the conditions and came through to third place by lap three.

As the leaders began to tire in the demanding conditions Scott gradually pulled them back before attack-ing on the climb at the beginning of the penultimate lap.

This proved decisive as he went on to win in a time of 24 minutes 35 seconds, 31 seconds clear of runner up, Matt Toplis, of Woodlands Community School, Derby, and 46 seconds clear of pre-race favourite, Ben Roach, of Avon Valley School, Rugby.

The win was particularly rewarding for Scott who, earlier in the week, looked unlikely to compete due to serious mechanical problems to his bike.

Fortunately, former Senior National Cyclo-Cross Champion, Chris Young, of Team Marie Curie, heard of Scott's predicament and kindly loaned him his own competition bike.