ON a successful night of youth cycling at the Brownlee Centre in Leeds, it was talented youngster Florence Greenhalgh who stole the show, with victory and a course record in the Under-13 Girls category.

Greenhalgh, who rides for East Bradford Cycling Club and studies at St Mary's Menston, was competing for her school in the British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA) Regional Championship Time Trial on the Bodington Circuit.

BSCA is 50 years old this year and was established to give every child up to the age of 19 years the chance to ride a bike. Many successful local riders, including Scott Thwaites, entered these events as they developed their skills growing up.

In last week's 10-mile event, Greenhalgh stormed to victory in 29 minutes and 30 seconds, which gave her a triple success. She won her category, set a course record for that age group and came out as the fastest girl on the night.

Ilkley Grammar School achieved a double success at the event too. Ed Riley was first over the line in the U15 Boys race, with his time of 26.07. Fellow alumni Ethan Whiteside was successful in the Over-15 Boys category as he won in 25.55.

There was an extraordinary race in the U13 Boys section. Alex Beldon of Ilkley CC recorded a stunning time over 10 miles of 25.40, an achievement which would have seen him win in every other category over that distance.

Unfortunately he had to settle for silver on this occasion, as he was pipped by Holmfirth's National Cyclocross Champion Oli Akers, who crossed the line in 25.17.

Finally, in the U7 Girls race, which was a two-mile event, young Kaitlynn Hardwick of Ashfield Primary in Otley set a course record with her time of 9.11.