Cycling
Darren Atkins crowned National Cyclo Cross series champion

Buy photos » Darren Atkins has been in exceptional form for M.I.Racing this season. (s)

DARREN Atkins completed his most successful season for Coventry-based M.I.Racing by winning the 2012/13 National Cyclo Cross series.

He produced a brilliant ride in the final round of the series in Derby on Sunday, storming to victory against a field of top class riders in slippery and muddy conditions to take the overall series victory.

He has now won 15 out of 17 races since October, but his biggest and most important race is still to come this Saturday when he competes against top professional and Olympian Nicky Craig in the British Championships in Bradford.

Team boss Mick Ives said: "His performances must surely rate as one of the greatest sporting achievements by a local sports person in the past 12 months, certainly the greatest performances by a local cyclist."

Atkins will also be leading a strong M.I.Racing team out to regain the National Team Championship.

Before that race gets under way, the 50 plus National Championship takes place and although the team are with our their captain Phil Roach they will also be looking to retain the Team title they have won for past two consecutive seasons.

Female veteran Louise Day will also be riding the British Championships on Sunday where the team will have a total of 11 riders competing.

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