IT HAS been a busy month for Wem's cyclo-cross aficionado Isaac Vickery, with more wins in the saddle, as well as swapping cycling shoes for football boots.

Competing in the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League rounds two and three, Isaac took wins in both races to begin his season undefeated.

The first race, in Henley in Arden, took place on September 12 on the course used in round one, but in reverse.

Another hot day produced dry and fast conditions, and Isaac sat in off the start line, with a plan to attack on the long hill on lap three when the other riders were tiring.

When he got to the hill Isaac kicked away from the pack with ease, never looking back to win in dominating style by more than a minute.

Round three took Isaac to Redditch. Using the grass banking around the Abbey Stadium Sports Centre, the track wound in and out of the trees and used the steep banks to add difficulty.

Just before the race the course was hit with a heavy rainstorm which made the hard packed grass slippery. This gave Isaac the opportunity to switch to his new set of wheels which have very special hand-made tubular tyres on, with flat rims on them to allow the tyres to be glued onto the rim. This means they can be let down to very low pressures without fear of puncture and allowed Isaac to get more grip in the slippery conditions.

He led from start to finish, stating "he felt like he was floating on his new tubes".

The result meant it was three wins from three and a perfect start to the new season.

Earlier in the month Isaac raced his mountain bike twice in north Wales, winning both races by large margins and ending the season undefeated.

Meanwhile, Isaac has also been trying his hand at football, something dad Richard said has been very successful.

Richard said: "He also played football for his district – North Shropshire Schools – which is nice as Isaac can't play grass roots football as it clashes with his cycling.

"His school put him forward to the district trails attended by 130 boys and he was selected as one of the best 12.

"He will now get the chance to pay football at a good standard as well as cycle – he got man of the match on Saturday, albeit in a losing team."

Isaac's next race is at home, organised by his club at Shrewsbury Sports Village on September 26, at 10.30am.