BROCKHALL-BASED Science In Sport rode to glory in the Cyclo-Cross event in Whalley after winning the senior team event and took individual titles in the juniors and ladies.

The first and biggest event of its kind in Lancashire saw SIS and Oakhill College join forces in an event which is now likely to be a regular on the race calendar.

While no-one could mount a serious challenge against England's Commonwealth Games mountain biker Barry Clarke -- Science In Sport certainly had a successful day in the saddle.

Clarke completed the energy-sapping course across mud, steep banks and low hurdles in 1 hour 3 seconds to cross the line first for the Helly Hansen/Giant team.

Team-mate Paul Oldham from Colne was in second place 23 seconds later while Stuart Wearmouth's brave challenge on Clarke blew up and he had to settle for third place 41 seconds behind.

But Wearmouth's gutsy ride was the foundation on which Science In Sport's team success was built with 15-year-old Ian Bibby finishing in seventh place -- and so being the first junior rider home -- and Kenny Johnson in eighth making up the winning trio.

There were also fine rides from fellow Science In Sport riders with Ian Wilkinson finishing ninth with Keith Murray just outside the top ten in 11th place.

And the team's success was rounded off when Victoria Wilkinson was first lady home in 19th place overall.

Event organiser Tim Lawson said: "The weather could not have been any worse and the course was very muddy. But it was a top class field that turned out and it was very well supported by the people of Whalley.

"We definitely want to make it an annual event."

Lawson, who is a member of the SIS team, added: "It was a great day for the team. Nobody was really going to challenge Barry Clarke but Stuart gave it his best shot. But to win the team prize and a few individual events as well is great news for the club."

The event was a real eye-catching affair with the elite riders starting off the race in Whalley town centre -- reaching speeds of up to 30mph by the time they reached the Oakhill College course.

The full day event not included the main race of the day but also junior races at youth, under 12s and a race for Novice riders.

The youth race was won by Ben Swift of Sheffield Phoenix who completed the course in 28mins 31 secs.

Mark Thwaites of Science In Sport was second just 10 seconds behind while unattached rider James Griffin was third.

Scott Thwaites of Science In Sport was fourth while Manchester rider Stephen Gymer completed the top five in a race that attracted 54 riders.

The under 12s race was won by Richard Pye of Red Rose with Ben Goldstraw of Army CU in second place. Third place went to Laura Allen of VC Holton with Army CU rider Dan Lancashire fourth and Sophie Gore of Eastlands Velo in fifth spot.

And there was something for the hosts to cheer about when Colin Wright of Oakhill Clarion Cycling Club won the Novice race when he came home in front of North Lancs Road Club pair David Norman and Vincent Riding.

John Rawlinson of Oakhill was fourth with Alan Life of North Lancs RC in fifth place.