Muddy Monsters returned to St Albans with plenty of smiles from all who took part.

Herts Advertiser: George Rice of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans.George Rice of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

The event, hosted by Verulam Cycling Club, allows children across Herts and Beds to experience cyclo-cross racing for the first time.

Herts Advertiser: Bella Kerry of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans.Bella Kerry of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

A temporary course was constructed at Verulamium Park with races at U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 age groups.

Herts Advertiser: Owen Lu of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans.Owen Lu of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

Verulam's youth development officer, Davinder Bhatia, said: "Although this was the first competitive youth cyclo-cross event we have organised for a while, it turned out to be a fantastic day of bike racing in St Albans.

Herts Advertiser: Eloisa Kerry of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans.Eloisa Kerry of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

"We saw a number of notable performances from our own 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: Oliver Marchant of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans.Oliver Marchant of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

Among those youngsters from the club who picked up medals were Oliver Marchant, Bella Kerry, Remi Artis, George Rice and Eloisa Kerry while there were strong promising performances from Oliver McCrae and Owen Lu.

Herts Advertiser: Remi Artis of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans.Remi Artis of Verulam Cycling Club at the Muddy Monsters event in St Albans. (Image: Judith Parry Photography)

The club will soon be using the newly-built Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre later which has a new and dedicated cyclo-cross circuit.