IT MAY only have been his third ever cyclo-cross, but Phil Cooper of Blue Sky cycles won the sixth round of the EADT League at New Eccles Hall School by a country mile.

IT MAY only have been his third ever cyclo-cross, but Phil Cooper of Blue Sky cycles won the sixth round of the EADT League at New Eccles Hall School by a country mile.

He broke away from a leading trio before the halfway mark and cruised to the clearest of wins. Cooper, from Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire, is actually no stranger to off-road racing - his skill and fitness come from mountain biking. He is former MTB World Cup rider and is a past winner of the Thetford Summer Series.

With the top Eastern League members at the Team Championships, there were new names in the results of this race near Attleborough. Second place went to RAF Marham man Dan Lewis who usually contests the Lincolnshire League races. Gavin Rumbles the Trek/VW rider who is making the pace in the veterans' section this season, took third.

The next three places were filled by Kevin Wilby (Ipswich BC), Stephen Brazier (SIS) who has come from Durham to live at Great Dunmow, and Cambridge University CC member Tom Morris, who was last seen racing locally three years ago.

There was an outstanding performance from Jonny Ramsey (Diss & District) up in seventh place, two seconds ahead of former veteran champion Dave Copland. One veteran not in the result was Mark Farrow (API) whose mode of riding attracted a rare disqualification.

Oliver Jarvis of Colchester Rovers won the Youth event with Sam Bores (Lee Valley Youth CC) in second place. Bores who, astonishingly, is in his 10th cyclo-cross season, won the Under-14 category.

Alwyn Newstead (Ipswich Bicycle Club) challenged strongly in the Under 12 race but was delayed by an unfortunate collision with an enthusiastic parent running with a very young competitor. Sean Dunlea (PCA/Ciclos Uno) ran out the winner, with Jack Hardwicke (Plomesgate CC) just outsprinting Newstead for second place.

n Most cyclo-cross events can be entered on the day, but the Regional Championships, this year at Fakenham, Norfolk, are an exception and competitors are reminded of the need to enter by November 12

n Round Seven of the EADT League is on Sunday promoted by the Colchester Rovers CC. The course at Furze Hill, Mistley is noted for its tough climbs and dramatic descents while the ancient trees of this former park make the venue a pleasure for the spectators and helpers. More information about this event and the Regional Championships can be found at www.easterncross.users.btopenworld.com

n The first mountain bike race of the four-event Winter Series is also on Sunday, based at Fire Road 24 off the A1065 Brandon to Mundford road.

See www.thetfordmtbracing.com for details.