COLCHESTER Rovers' Stuart Weatherley stepped up in style as he claimed a podium finish on his first outing in the Sport category at round seven of the Mud, Sweat and Gears mountain bike series at Ickworth House.on.

Gridded on the front row following his early season successes in the Open category, Weatherley was making his debut in the high level Sport category and was fifth going into the woods on the first lap.

As the first lap continued, Weatherly was able to get past a few riders when the course opened up, putting him second behind Seb Herrod, but they were surprised to be caught by Robert Smithers of Kings Lynn during the second lap.

The three swapped positions frequently before Smithers dropped off the back of the group and although Weatherley tried to stay with Herrod, he but couldn't quite live with his sprints down the back straight.

Knowing he didn't have the power left to catch Herrod, the Rovers rider backed off a little to ensure energy reserves, but he didn't need them and claimed his first podium of the year with an impressive second place.

In the Open category, a good number of Colchester Rovers pitted their skills against the technical course, alongside a handful of riders from Colchester's latest mountain bike club, the Colchester Clunkers.

Bragging rights on this occasion went to the Rovers, with John Letch being the first Colchester rider home in 16th place, with Rovers' Phillip Repman, Martin Smith and Chris English 24th, 25th and 28th respectively.

Behind them, the Clunkers' Chris Seaward and Paul Smith came 44th and 45th, with Smith having to run his bike over the finish line after suffering a late puncture.

Rovers' Paul Fisher and James Emerson were next in 48th and 55th, with the Clunkers' Kevin Ollett completing the contest in 63rd.

In the Juvenille Male race, Rovers' Regan Repman and Aeddan Seaward put in solid performances, coming 16th and 21st respectively.

There was an excellent showing from the Rovers girls in the under-12s, with a winning performance from Jodie Taylor and a third place for Chloe Ollett, while the boys' race saw Jack Emerson finish fourth and Bradley Taylor and Jack Letch 14th and 19th.

In the under-nines, Rovers' Daisy Emerson and Matilda Challinor fought it out once again for first and second.

Challinor led off the line and stayed in front for one lap before Emerson powered past and held on for victory.

Phoebe Ollett rounded off another fine showing for the Rovers girls with her 11th place, while William Smith battled his way through the highly competitive boys category after being caught in an early crash to finish 12th.