HORWICH Cycling Club's Tim Worthington stormed to a national title with a stunning performance in the TLI National Closed Circuit Championships.

The 40-44 age-category man rode a confident, disciplined race, matching his competitors at every turn, while working with others to help neutralise attacks on a fast, undulating Oulton Park Race Circuit course in Cheshire.

The pace was brisk, averaging 26mph, and during a frantic last two laps he held his nerve and battled to maintain a position in the first 10 riders.

Then, with less than a kilometre remaining, the pack reached the top of the final uphill and headed down towards the last corner at speeds reaching 30mph.

With 300 metres to go Worthington produced a huge effort to accelerate off the front of the pack and open a 25-metre gap.

He worked hard to maintain the gap but in the last 150m the chasing pack were closing in.

The Horwich rider fought hard to keep his nose in front as five rivals got almost up to his back wheel with 50m to go.

One final lunge for the line was enough as he won by four inches.

He said: "It was without doubt the hardest 300 metres I have ever cycled in my life.

"Horwich CC has a very proud racing tradition and it’s an honour to add to that tradition with this national championship.

"We have a number of very talented juniors at the club and the highest number of racing members for some time.

"It’s all adding up to being a very exciting time at Horwich CC."