Scott Thwaites proved to be a winner both on and off the circult at Otley’s Town Centre races.

The Burley-in-Wharfedale ace found time to have a chat with Ilkley Cycling Club’s Will Tench before he took part in the under-12 race.

Will had only received his British Cycling racing licence four days earlier and after getting a few tip from Thwaites he went out and took fifth place.

Will said: “It was great fun in the race, really fast, hard and difficult to keep up. I was just pleased to hang in with the leaders after looking at all the cool bikes and boys on rollers at the start.”

Will added: “Meeting Scott Thwiates was great because I had been watching him on the TV the week before winning races, and then I was able to support him and watch him win the big race.

“All the riders in the elite race were so chilled out before they went out.

“Scott was happy to chat to me before he raced, and I saw him talking to one of my teachers, and it turns out he went to same school as me, Ermysted’s in Skipton.”

Will has got the bug and plans to be back again soon racing in Ilkley Cycling Club's 'colours'.

Ilkley Cycling Club’s chairperson Katherine Pimlot said: “This is a great result for Will being his first race, and as Ilkley Cycling Club’s first ever junior racer, it was an excellent result for the club too.”