ROAD racers of York-based Clifton Cycling Club have toped British Cycling's rankings for the Yorkshire region.

The riders finished above many race-oriented clubs, despite Clifton being a broad grassroots club which organises and participates in social and touring rides, mountain-biking and time-trialling.

Cycle Heaven-sponsored Clifton amassed almost 120 points in races throughout the year, with less than ten other clubs getting more than half of that amount.

Race newcomer Steve Savage and junior Matt Shipley moved from the entry-level fourth category to third, Savage winning a round of the East Riding Road Race League.

Seasoned campaigners Paul Musgrave and Paul Bridgen moved from third to the competitive second category. Second category racer Kit Gilham had many successes in only his second season, both within the region and in national level races, including a win in the Richmond and Darlington road race. Andy Johnston gained points in his first season racing.

Club captain Rob Osman said: "It's a tribute to the dedication and talent of the individual riders, who have ridden to race wins and top placings on all types of circuits and in all weathers.

"It is also an indication of how healthy the club is at present, with new racers and juniors being encouraged to succeed."

Additional road race successes came with Savage joint winner of the Boroughbridge TLI evening summer series, Phil Bixby joint fifth and Arthur Clune seventh.

In time-trials across the region, members raced in open events and the club had further successes - with wins by Charlie Evans and Erik van Lakerveld in the Hull Thursday two-up and snatching the Team Swift Hilly team prize from under the host club's nose.

Off road, Charlie Evans showed versatility by coming fourth in the Midlands XC League and 22nd in the national NPS XC rankings.