Saunders stars in MTB showdown

Just one year after helping set up the i-Team.cc and Portsmouth School of Cycle Racing’s MTB section, Steve Saunders was all smiles as his 17-year-old son grabbed runners-up position in a field of 180 riders.

It was the teenager’s first podium since switching to the dirt from road and track racing. And he is confident there is plenty more to come.

Guy Watson, head coach and founder of i-Team, said: ‘Our club MTB coaches, Richard Cromie and Steve Saunders, have done an amazing job in setting up weekly sessions using our own circuit in private woodlands near Clanfield.

‘James was always a great bike handler and has shown how it is possible to transfer skills between disciplines.’

n James Copeland won the latest event in the Sporting Time Trial Series.

The Fareham Wheelers star clocked 53min 56sec to win the 25-mile test, hosted by Sotonia, from his team-mate Gary Chambers (54.36).

n Clanfield’s Harry Veale was ninth overall in the two-stage Tour of the Milburys.

The former i-Team rider finished 1min 40sec adrift of winner Joe Harris.

n The Pearl Izumi Tour Series resumes tonight in Motherwell.

JLT Condor won the opening round of the championship on the Isle of Man last Thursday.