CYCLING: Thirteen-years-old Laura Allen (Abesco-Cruden New Brighton CC) retained her Under-14s North West Circuit championship in devastating style at Southport on Saturday.

Laura, of Widnes, attacked with two Under-16 girls, who took the higher age-group title, on the first lap of 25.

The group opened up an immediate advantage over the chasing pack.

Laura shared the workload as the pace was kept high and, within two laps, they had created a 500 metres gap.

Over the next 15 miles, the leaders twice lapped the field. Laura dropped off only on the final lap to let the Under-16 girls fight out their sprint finish. Laura rode triumphantly over the line alone, having put almost two miles between herself and her nearest challengers.

This was dubbed the performance of the day by the race commentator in a faster race than that for the U14 boys.

Laura has had a strong start to the season in all disciplines - earning selection for the NW team at the Isle Of Man Youth Tour.

Her brother, Joseph, 16, has a much-reduced programme after stepping up to juniors. He keeps impressing with numerous victories at both Manchester and Kirkby tracks.

Riding for Astley and Tyldesley at cycle speedway, he has recorded wins and achieved podium finishes in the Mountain Bike Series at Leisure Lakes.

Riding for New Brighton CC at Preston Sports Arena, he has consistently finished in the first group containing elite, first and second category riders.