A PRIMARY school youngster from the Isle of Wight showed great spirit in his first-ever competitive cyclo-cross race.

Finley Manser-Grundy, at the tender age of just six years' old, competed in the third round of the Wessex CX League at Prospect Park, Reading, recently.

The youngster, a member of the Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race team (WWMCRT), competing in a cyclo-cross event for the first time.

Joined by WWMCRT adult team-mate, Oli Nolan, at the venue, Finley was up against the clock on a tricky course, set in woodland, with some challenging climbs and technical corners, that needed lots of attention to gear choice, and very few places to recover.

Finley started at the back of the grid, due to him not being seeded in the series before, but he got off to a flying start and worked his way up through the field of more than 30 riders.

The talented boy constantly gained places and was just off the front group of riders in the last couple of minutes, finishing the race in sixth overall.

Finley, competing in his age group, said he "loved the close racing" involved.

His proud dad, Jack, said: "This was a terrific result for his first event — and it was great to see the level of competition and style of racing.

"Finley left wanting to race more and will be back soon for more league fixtures."

In his event, Oli, racing in familiar conditions, finished fifth, earning a spot on the Wessex podium.

He said: "The course suited me really well with lots of climbing and opportunities for fast, exciting racing. I’m super happy to achieve my best ever cyclocross result, and can’t wait for the next round."

Meanwhile, James Veal, had his race cut short due to a puncture at the Portmore Classic Road Race in Dorset.