WORCESTERSHIRE teenager Evie Richards won British Cycling National Trophy Series round four in Suffolk.

The 18-year-old T-Mo Racing talent opened her series account with a fine victory in the elite women’s race at Ipswich’s Trinity Park.

Alice Barnes (Betch-Super-Brentjens) used her road speed to take the race into the first corner.

But Malvern-based Richards and Beth Crumpton (Pearl Izumi-Sports Tours) quickly responded and were soon back on Barnes’ wheel.

A group of six remained intact for the next few laps.

With two laps left, the race changed and Richards put in a big effort to break the stalemate.

Amira Mellor and Barnes reacted and the three got away, providing a spectacle for the crowds with a display of tactical cat and mouse.

Richards looked the most aggressive, attacking again over the technical section and got the gap on her rivals through the sand. Mellor and Barnes could not respond.

As the bell rang for the final lap, Richards drove on, upping the pace along the tarmac and dropping last season’s champion.

Barnes attempted to chase down Richards but the T-Mo Racing rider just powered on.

With time to spare, a jubilant Richards celebrated as she crossed the finish line.

Barnes held off a late chase by Mellor to take second.

Richards, also a member of Malvern Cycle Sport, said: “Because it’s a pretty windy course, everyone was sitting together.

“A little break started on the second lap and I just went for it. I didn’t want to make a break too early because it was so windy.

“It was quite a slow moving group to start with but then with two laps to go I went for it.

“After a difficult week I was so proud to take the podium in front of my mum and dad in my T-Mo Racing colours.

“I am now hoping to grab the attention of the British Cycling selectors and maybe I will also get to represent Great Britain in cyclo-cross at a World Cup, you never know.’’