SKIPTON’S Ian Taylor, who surprised himself by winning the World Masters cyclo-cross title five years ago in the men’s 45-49 years’ category, is eyeing up another medal.

Taylor, who was also third in the same category in 2017, has now moved up an age group and, despite his form not being the best, is hoping for success in the men’s 50-54 years’ age group.

Speaking after winning his category in the fourth round of the Yorkshire Points Cyclo-Cross Series at Bingley’s Myrtle Park, the Shibden Cycling Club member said: ““I am 45-49 years here but for the World Championships at Trinity Park, East Suffolk on December 3-5, I will be over 50.

“Five years ago, I won the title (at men’s 45-49 years). We will just have to see won’t we but I would like to get a top five.”

Taylor won in 58min 30sec at Myrtle Park, and said: “I had a steady start and pulled myself through a bit and had a good battle with a young lad called Will Thompson (also a Shibden member).

“We were neck and neck for most of the race once we got together. He was really good at the bottom of the course and I was a bit stronger on the tarmac, and he got me at the end, which the youngsters should do shouldn’t they?”

Both riders recorded the same time, with Thompson coming fourth in the men’s race, but Taylor admitted: “My season is not going great and this is probably the best race that I have had.

“I have had quite bad cold for the past couple of weeks – not Covid – and before that I just didn’t feel fantastic when I was racing, but fingers crossed.”

Something else for Taylor to look forward to, apart from the World Championships, is the sixth round of the HSBC National Trophy Series on January 15-16, which is on his doorstep at Broughton Hall.

He said: “The Broughton Hall course is really hard and it will be really good fun. It is different to Bradford’s Peel Park, and possibly even harder if they leave it as it is but they might make it a bit easier.”