ST HELENS racing cyclist Andrew Tinsley rounded off his best-ever season with two sparkling performances in sunny Majorca.

Riding in the European Masters Championships, Triplex worker Andrew came home fifth in the 120km road race around Palma where victory went to the Belgian international Foubert.

Next Andrew, who rides for New Brighton, won the Green Jersey and came second in the overall classification in the 13th Vuelta International Tour of Majorca.

Andrew took second place in the first 115km road stage and maintained his high position with sixth place in the second stage, a 105km race around El Arenal.

On the third stage, the St Helens rider came home third over the 120km route around Santa Maria and moved into the lead for the Green Jersey (highest number of points gained).

Going into the fourth Stage, an 80km circuit race around Palma, the British team had to control this race to protect Andrew's position and with just 140 riders left out of 230 starters, Andrew grabbed third place in a mass bunch sprint.

Andrew also led the British squad into second place in the team contest. They were just pipped for first spot by the Germans but held off the challenge of the third-placed Spaniards in a total field of 26 teams.

This brilliant result rounded off a best-ever season for Andrew, who has been in action since February. He finished 11th in the national elite cyclists rankings with 335 points.

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