CWMCARN Paragon's off-road specialist Ross Porter has a reputation as one of the most dedicated and hard-working riders in Wales.

From January to December, in all conditions, he is out clocking up the miles. Eight years of competitive racing has seen him develop into one of the leading riders in the country, but a Welsh title had eluded him.

This was rectified at Builth Wells when he rode to victory in the WCU Mountain Bike Masters Championship.

After taking third place in the previous two years, the 38-year-old Bassaleg rider rode a perfect race on a hilly four mile x 6 circuit of technical descents, to finish first in the Masters category and third overall.

Porter followed this with a fine third place in the WRU Series at Margam Park. This combination of excellent results keeps him in the top 15 of British riders. This Sunday he contests the National Championships at Ludlow.

Cwmcarn Paragon incorporated their own club championship within the Welsh Cycling Association 50 mile time trial at Raglan. In an exciting and desperately close race, with only 38 seconds separating the top three riders, it was GB international Julie Hooper who recorded a double success, club and Welsh champion.

In-form Hooper, who took silver in the recent British National Championship, powered her way around the Hardwick/Raglan course in a time of 2hr 6min 53sec. Simon Woolley crossed the line 34sec later with a time of 2hr 7min 27sec and four seconds afterwards came Brian Collis in 2hr 7min 31sec.

The race for the Welsh Championship was just as close, with Hooper 26th overall, Woolley 27th and Collis 28th.

Hooper was a comprehensive winner in the women's race, finishing well ahead of her closest rival Nina Davies (Port Talbot) in 2hr 11min 36sec. Colin Wallace was as dominant in the men's race, recording 1hr 52min 31sec, finishing ahead of Acme Wheelers' Paul Jenkins, 1hr 57min 16sec.

In-form Welsh International Stuart McDonald recorded one of his best time trial wins when he defeated Colin Wallace in round seven of the Magic Dragon Series. On an undulating course in the Neath Valley he used his superior climbing skills to pull back a half distance deficit of 8sec into a winning margin of 3sec on the line, clocking 22min 33sec. Gareth Pugh 23min 08sec claimed fourth place and Darren Carpenter, 24min 15sec, 16th.

McDonald continued his excellent form by winning the Cwmcarn ten mile championship with a time of 21min 25sec, ahead of Gareth Pugh, 22min 26sec, and Hugh Salway, 23min 01sec. Garry L Jones, first veteran, 23min 18sec. In the most recent race in the evening ten event. McDonald was again first in 21min 43sec.