SIXTEEN-year-old Robert Upex gave Prestwich High School a farewell gift this weekend by winning the British Schools' Cycling Association National Time Trial Championships.

Robert, captain of Team Manchester, has just completed his GCSE's and rode for the final time under the Prestwich High School banner to take the 10 mile championship by 15 seconds.

The course was on a one mile closed road circuit at the Eastway Cycling Circuit in East London.

Robert said: "I thought it would be a lot tougher, the weather was really hot and riding 10 laps of the circuit taking in the same turns and hills can be a bit mind-blowing, but I seemed to have a lot left in my legs at the end.

"The National Trophy that I was presented with was won by Chris Boardman when he was sixteen so I'm really proud of it!"

In September Robert will be starting his A level studies at Stand College.

He added: "It was nice to win this national title for Prestwich High which has really supported my cycling career over the years."

Since starting cycling Robert has won six national championships titles and 11 regional championships. He has also represented Great Britain in South Africa, Holland and America.

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