A YOUNG cyclist from Kent has won the Cyclo-Cross National Youth Championship for the first time.

Alex Paton, 15, who lives in Dover, took his first national title at Sutton Park, Birmingham.

He added the title, for riders under 16, to his wins in the London League, the South East Championships and the National Trophy Series.

His club-mate Michael Butler finished fourth, despite being ill for the previous two days, and took the trophy for the first under-15.

Paton, who started with the VC Deal/Hammonds/ACTiV club at the age of 10, said: "I’m ecstatic, it’s great. I tried playing it pretty safe, keeping it realistic, and it was good."

His coach, Richard Wood, said: "It was cold, snowing and slippery but Alex just didn’t put a wheel wrong."

Paton and Scott Thwaites (Merlin Development Squad) were soon alone at the head of the field, with the Dover rider allowing his rival set the pace.

Thwaites, knowing that Paton would be stronger in a sprint, attacked at every opportunity but on the uphill tarmac finish straight Paton built a four or five bike-length lead.

Paton said: "Scott put the pressure on and I managed to respond. At the end, we were both watching each other and I managed to get the kick out of the corner."