IT was muddy in Devon for the second round of the cyclo-cross National Trophy series – and, as he had predicted, that was ideal for Ilkeston's defending national veteran champion, Geoff Giddings.

He won the race by 20 seconds from rival Noel Clough, who had won the opening round of the series in drier conditions in Wales a fortnight before.

"The circuit was excellent and a little muddy – just the conditions I really like," said Giddings.

"Noel made a small mistake on an off-camber bank, so I attacked him really hard and then rode the last three laps alone. That brings me to within four points of him now."

Ben Eedy (South Pennine RC) was the best-placed local rider in a senior race won by visiting Belgian rider David Willemsen, finishing 16th, Matlock's Lee Shunburne one place and seven seconds behind him.

Sam Lowe (Go Sport Spex), from Chellaston, was 15th in the youth race, his brother Tom fifth in the junior race and Derby Mercury's David Smith eighth in the over-50 race.