OTLEY cyclist Thomas Pidcock had a weekend to remember.

The junior men's rider finished a superb eighth on his European cyclo-cross debut before winning in the latest round of the National Trophy Series at Durham the following day.

The Oldfield-Paul Milnes Cycles ERT competitor shone on his biggest stage at Huijbergen in the Netherlands, crossing the line just 86 seconds behind title winner Jens Dekker of the host country

Pidcock later wrote on Twitter: "Buzzin' with eighth at cross euros. Eighth ever cross race and first cross race overseas."

Paul Milnes team-mate Ben Turner was the next Briton home in 21st, with Dan Tulett (Specialized Racing) 36th.

Pidcock and Turner were rivals again the next day in the third round of the Trophy, alongside early race leader Mark Donovan (Beacon Wheelers).

Donovan and Josh Waters (Sherwood Pines) took the race on from the start, with Donovan showing blistering pace while taking the long line round the far end of the course.

Pidcock and Turner were a little way back, with Calum Fernie (Nottingham Clarion), George Fox (Paul Milnes Bradford), Tom Mein (Derwentside CC) and Harry Yates (Hargroves Cycles-Ridley), but Donovan looked to have the legs on the field.

However, Pidcock chipped away at the leader as the race progressed and the hard work paid off as he caught and passed him in mid-race, with the Beacon rider unable to respond.

Pidcock was then able to ride his own race – taking the chequered flag some 40 seconds ahead of Turner, who passed Donovan on the run-in to the finish straight.

After second place behind Tulett in Southampton and victories in Derby and Durham, Pidcock, who has 114 points, has retained his overall lead in the National Trophy Series, with Turner second on 98 and Donovan (76) third.

Euan Cameron of Wibsey is up to third in the under-16 boys' standings after winning in Durham – his first victory for his new (Paul Milnes/Bradford Olympic) team.

Cameron proved too fast for the chasing Lichfield City CC pair of series leader Lewis Askey and Toby Barnes, who took second and third respectively, while Jenson Young (Pedalsport CC) was seventh.

Bingley's Rob Jebb (Hope Factory Racing) seems to be enjoying life as an over-40, adding to his win at Derby with victory at Durham, although Darren Atkins (Ride Coventry) held on to his series lead, taking second ahead of Jim Bryan (Zepnat RT).

Atkins took the early lead, the yellow jersey heading the race up on the opening lap with Keith Murray (Scott Racing), Cononley's Ian Taylor (C and N Cycles), Eldwick's Rob Thackray (Oldfield/Paul Milnes Cycles) and Haworth's Andy Peace (Jedi Cycles) in the mix chasing for the lead.

Jebb, working his way through the field, was soon with Atkins, the duo then getting a gap that no-one could pull back.

Kendal resident Jebb increased his lead as the lap board counted down and Atkins had to be content with second.

A late charge by Bryan saw him overtake Taylor to claim third by a handful of seconds.

East Morton's Annie Simpson (Hope Factory Racing) was sixth in the elite women's race, with Eldwick's Sophie Thackray (Oldfield Paul Milnes Cycles) in eighth.

Ethan Whiteside (Ilkley Cycling Club) and Joseph Pidcock (Chevin Cycles.com Trek), Thomas' younger brother, were sixth and seventh in the under-14 boys.