HORWICH rider Craig Battersby is in the form of his life after claiming two major titles over the past few weeks.

At the end of April, the veteran won his age-group title at the LVRC National Time Trial Championships in Napton-on-the-Hill.

He rode the hilly 13-mile course in 29mins 42secs, averaging just over 26mph to win by 19 seconds from Mark Corbett, of Worcester St Johns CC. James Fox, of CC Luton, was third in 31:19.

Battersby, who rides for Bolton-based Team Chronomaster/Leisure Lakes Bikes, then joined team-mate Kris Zentek and John Bamford to take part in the prestigious Tour of the Abberleys stage race in Worcester.

He won the race last year and got his defence off to the perfect start after claiming victory in the opening prologue – a three-mile time trial.

Battersby lost the leader's yellow jersey on stage two but managed to claw back 30 seconds on the leaders in stage three.

He went on the attack with 20 miles to go in the fourth and final stage, riding clear of the peleton in a solo effort that earned him not only the yellow jersey but also the king of the mountains prize.