Christina Wiejak’s confidence proved more than justified as she defended her Three Peaks Cyclo-cross title by completing the course in a faster time than last year.

Barrow Central Wheelers member Wiejak was in a positive mood going into the race at Helwith Bridge, in Yorkshire, after some strong performances during the summer road racing campaign.

The 61-kilometre course took in plenty of challenging climbs on and off road, along with featuring 1,524 metres of ascent, which the Rampside rider mastered to take victory in a time of 3hrs 45mins.

“After a good summer season of road racing, including a win in the North West Road Race Championship, I knew that I had a good form,” said Wiejak.

“However, the Three Peaks Cyclo-cross is known as the ‘toughest cyclo-cross race in the world’ for a reason, as there is a lot that can and does go wrong – it can break the fittest of riders.

“I was extremely nervous about the race, as I was defending last year’s title, and the pressure was much greater than last year.

“However, as soon as we set off, my legs felt good, and I moved well up the group on the first road section.”

Wiejak was the first lady to the top of the first climb at Ingleborough and held onto that lead until the end, suffering no mechanical issues and attributing her fast time to her good summer, plus the dry ground.

She was well-supported by friends and colleagues from Velo Ulverston, who provided her with a spare bike as well.

Fellow Central Wheeler David Huck enjoyed a strong October too, including achieving second place at the iconic Rake Hill Climb in Ramsbottom – beaten only by 2017 National Hill Climb Champion Dan Evans – at the start of last month.

Huck retained his regional NLTTA Hill Climb Champion title for the fourth-consecutive year running, on October 14 and came fourth overall at the National Hill Climb Championship, held in Stocksbridge last Sunday, where he was racing against sponsored or semi-professional athletes.

The club hold their annual Cyclo-cross event at Glaxo Sports Club in Ulverston on Sunday, November 18.

The event is open to all age groups, including under-eights, and levels of experience, and entry is available on the day.