MALVERN's Harriet Harnden proved too strong for her rivals at the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross Champions in Worcestershire.

After dominating the previous round at Stourport, Harnden took the front from the outset at Cob House Country Park.

But she was soon joined by Josie Nelson.

With two laps to go Harnden eventually stormed clear and took victory by 43 seconds at the finish.

“It was not what I was expecting but I knew Josie was good as she has got some really good results,” said Harnden.

“She put up a really good fight and I thought it could have gone her way.

"The second to last lap I managed to get a bit of a gap on an off-camber section and I just managed to hold onto the front.”

Liam Killeen, of Malvern Cycle Sport, who were hosting the event, led the chase for second in the men's race.

But constantly lost time to the leader Toby Barnes who came out on top.

Malvern's Ross Harnden finished third.

Local knowledge also proved key at the new venue for Ed Moseley.

The Malvern Cycle Sport rider recovered from a slow start to win the veteran 40-50 age category.