Having coached it for many years, Verulam Cycling Club took a first step into the world of junior cyclo-cross races when they hosted the latest round of Muddy Monsters.

Herts Advertiser: Verulam Cycling Club's Imogen Holland at the Muddy Monsters event. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHYVerulam Cycling Club's Imogen Holland at the Muddy Monsters event. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

It is a series of races aimed at kids across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire who have never raced before.

All events were keenly contested, with the U8 and U10 races on a short course at the Marlborough Club in St Albans particularly so.

The U12, U14 and U16s rode a longer course that used part of the existing BMX park.

Delighted Verulam club chairman Doug Driscoll said: “Although this was the first competitive youth cyclo-cross event we have organised, it turned out to be a fantastic day of bike racing in St Albans

Herts Advertiser: Ready to go at the Verulam Cycling Club-hosted Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHYReady to go at the Verulam Cycling Club-hosted Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

“We saw a number of notable performances from our own Verulam CC youths and British Cycling were so impressed by the success of the event that they have asked us to run two races next season.”

Herts Advertiser: Verulam Cycling Club's Henry Barker at the Muddy Monsters event. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHYVerulam Cycling Club's Henry Barker at the Muddy Monsters event. Picture: JUDITH PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Judith Parry Photography)