Barnoldswick’s Hope factory team cyclo-cross rider Lucy Horrocks started the new year with a bang by winning the under-14 girls National Trophy Series last Sunday.

The talented 13-year-old West Craven High Technology College student was the victor in four out of six races on her way to the crown.

She secured her title after coming back from an early crash to finish in second place at Shrewsbury last weekend.

It was Lucy’s first year competing in the full event after being the surprise package in the Bradford leg of last year’s series.

Despite only competing in one of the six races, Lucy shocked the field by gaining a silver medal at Peel Park, despite not being big enough to carry her bike up the muddy inclines.

Proud parent Juliette Horrocks was understandably delighted with her daughter’s achievements.

“When she did so well in the nationals last year she surprised everyone then, so to do what she did this time was just amazing,” said Julliette.

“She’s done quite a lot of training but there are a lot of girls who have done a lot more.

“But even when the weather’s mad she always has a smile on her face and wants to train as much as she possibly.

“Me and my husband cycle race but Lucy is certainly the star of the family and she’s got a big future.

“This year she’ll hopefully progress and get into road racing. She’s also trying to get her accreditation to use the velodrome in Manchester as well. She’s just got such a bright future ahead.”

Lucy will now compete in the National Cyclo-Cross Championships this weekend at Derby in her final event of the season and mum Juliette is optimistic about her daughter’s chances. She said: “She has got a good chance of doing well and I believe that she’s the strongest girl in her category. Things can go wrong in cyclo-cross, with crashes and mechanical problems but I think she can win it.”