Shrewsbury mountain biker Robert Smith claims Midlands crown
Shrewsbury mountain biker Robert Smith retained the Midlands Downhill Series elite title despite finishing fourth in the sixth and final round of the competition.
A field of 330 riders contested the stage at Horton Castle on a fast track which remained dry throughout with challenging sections of roots, jumps and dusty corners.
Riders reached 30mph through the speed trap and South Shropshire rider Marc Beaumont took the elite win in a time of 2.02.
Telford's Matt Simmonds was second in 2.03 while Smith came home in a time of 2.05.
Shrewsbury's Pete Crookes took second place in the Masters category with Jonny Brain fourth, which left him second in the category championship.
Matt Walker, also of Shrewsbury, took victory in the youth category and the championship, scoring a perfect points total.
Bayston Hill's Stu Hughes won the veterans' event and with it the championship.
