TALENTED Pedmore cyclist Charles Walker put in another outstanding performance in the West Midland Senior Road Race Championship.

The 16-year-old, who rides for Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club's road team, took on the 83 mile course near Lichfield last Sunday.

The race included many of the top riders from the West Midlands and was always going to be a tough challenge for a first year junior rider.

However, Walker managed to forge his way into a nine man break some 30 miles into the race after an earlier two man break had been caught by the pack.

The group included eventual winner, elite rider Kieran Friend, and Walker's previous club mate Matt Clarke who now rides for Wheelbase.

The breakaway group then split on the main climb with just over one lap to go. Clarke, riding his first race for four weeks following injury, went on to finish a very fine third with Walker dropping back to 16th place.

Halesowen team-mate Joe Hobbs was forced to retire from the race with one lap remaining following an attack of severe cramp following a gutsy ride.