REDDITCH mountain biker Beth Crumpton clinched third spot when contesting round two of the British Cross Country Series, which took place at Newnham Park in Plymouth.

Having previously finished third in the opening round, defending champion Crumpton found the technical and physically demanding Newnham Park course particularly testing.

As a result, she finished well behind winner Evie Richards, from Malvern, and second-placed Isla Short.

Crumpton, who is bidding to claim a hat-trick of titles in this competition, will look to step up her challenge in the next round which takes place at Penbury in Wales.

This Saturday, Beth will be taking on some of the best riders in the world when she contests the Tour of Yorkshire, which comprises of a 135km road race from Otley to Doncaster. The race has attracted an international class field in addition to the cream of British women’s cycling and will be televised on ITV 4.

Beth said: “It’s a great experience just being in the field. I tend to use these races at training as I’m not expecting anything against professional riders.

“I competed at the Isle of Man against the top British riders and finished 17th on a very hilly course, so I will take that experience into the race with me.”