A seven-year-old cyclist finished third in a race against 26 other children.

Finley Manser-Grundy took part in the under-8s race in round five of the Wessex League Cyclocross Series in Southampton on Sunday, October 8.

This was Finley's second cyclocross race, so he had more understanding of the pace and style of racing. There were more climbs on this course compared to the previous race which suited Finley's skills.

He started on the second row of the grid so knew he would have to look for overtaking opportunities to get towards the front of the race. From the start, he worked his way through the field, using the climbs and descent to overtake riders.

Finley's background in mountain biking helped him attack the corners and descents with confidence. By the halfway mark, he had pulled away from fourth place and was chasing the top two riders.

Finley kept a good, consistent pace to finish third.

After the race Dad, Jack, said: "It was a great surprise for Finn to make the podium but it’s really positive for the future as he has 2 more years in this age category."