GEOFF Giddings has tightened his grip on this year's cyclo-cross National Trophy series with another oustanding victory.

In a race the Ilkeston veteran described as "the best I've ever been in," Giddings oulasted Phil Roach and arch-rival Chris Young to win a sprint finish in the last 50 metres at Rutland Water, Leicestershire.

It was the third win in five rounds of the six-race series for defending champion Giddings and he now leads Young by 28 points – there are 50 for a win – with the final round to come at Derby's Markeaton Park on January 18.

The over-40s race was rated the best of the day on a soggy course with a bit of everything around the shores of the reservoir.

Roach took an early lead, which he held on to right until the last lap, when five chasers, including Giddings and Young, got back to him.

It was down to Roach, Giddings and Young as they came round the final bend, which is where Giddings made his move, he and Young leaving the gallant Roach behind to contest the finish.

Afterwards, Giddings heaped praise on the long-time leader.

"Phil always gets a good gap at the start but he kept his skills working throughout and was going well," he said.

"It was the best race I have ever been in, I reckon, because there were about six in contention all the way and it was pretty close.

"It was a really good course, too, proper continental-style, a lot more technical than usual and even with a bit of beach."

Roach is not in contention for the overall prize and Giddings confessed he was more concerned about Young.

"I didn't mind Phil taking points but, on the last lap, I was a bit worried, especially when Chris got in front," he said.

"I gathered myself and attacked with a few corners to get in front and managed to get to the road section first with about 400 metres to go."

In other races, Annie Last, from Great Longstone, who was not feeling well, missed out on an intriguing clash with the rest of Britain's leading cyclo-cross women.

Chellaston's Thomas Lowe just missed out on a podium place in the junior men's race, being pipped by Dan McLay for third in the same time, 25 seconds down on race winner David Nichols.

His brother Sam was eighth in the youth (under-16) race, in which VC Long Eaton's Joe Kirkham, 25th overall, finished second among the under-14 riders.

Derby Mercury rider David Smith was eighth in the over-50 race.

When the final round comes to Markeaton Park in the new year, it will be accompanied by a host of other cycling events, with the support of Cycle Derby and the East Midlands Development Association.

These will include races for the under-12s and primary school children and an inter-club relay race.

A dedicated website has been set up, from which entry forms can be downloaded. It is at www.derby.nationaltrophy.org.uk.