WEM'S cycling star of the future is back on the track and began his defence of title in the Midlands XC MTB with a win.

Isaac Vickery, from Wem, on unfamiliar ground with a new track, came home a minute ahead of his nearest competitors from across the country.

Dad Richard said the course was largely out of sight and admitted his relief when Isaac passed with a comfortable lead, which he did not let up.

Richard said: "Isaac set out yesterday to retain his Midlands XC MTB title knowing it would be a hard task as a first-year under-12 on a course he had never raced.

"A little overnight rain had improved the course giving the riders a little more grip.

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"It was a long course with a steep uphill before some technical downhill – anything steep in either direction suits Isaac.

"With the riders being out of sight of the spectators for most of the lap it was an anxious wait for dad but Isaac didn’t disappoint and at the end of the first lap had built up a large lead which he wasn’t going to let slip.

"Isaac crossed the line finishing exactly a minute ahead of Ben Whitehouse of Wolverhamton Wheelers, who won the sprint for second from Matthew Holmes of Mid Devon Cycling Club.

"Next race for Isaac is Welsh National Round Two – Forest of Dean – in June where he will take on the best riders in Wales."