WORCESTER'S Simon Wyllie conquered the muddy conditions to clinch the men’s fifth round of the West Midlands Cyclo-Cross League at Dudley's Baggeridge Country Park.

Wet weather created a slippery, muddy course which included wooded, hilly grass sections that tested the rider’s technical abilities.

Halesowen A&CC rider Wyllie, who finished third in the previous round, was locked in a battle throughout the senior race with fellow junior rider Daniel Barnes (Lichfield City CC).

Toby Barnes, who has won three of the opening four rounds, was forced to miss the race after suffering concussion on a training ride.

His younger brother looked to bring the victory back to Lichfield and opened a gap on Wyllie in the opening exchanges as his rival suffered an early puncture.

But last season's national under 16 cyclo-cross champion worked his way back up to the leader halfway through the race.

As they approached the finish Daniel Barnes tangled with the course tape and despite riding back up to his rival Wyllie timed his sprint to perfection and took victory.

“After my puncture I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t get back to the front as I didn’t feel that good,” said Wyllie.

“On one of the off-camber corners coming into the finish I took a different line to Dan which was faster and he tangled with the tape so lost time.

“I attacked but he got back up to me. On the last corner I didn’t want him to dive bomb me so took it tight but he took a wider and faster line so coming out of it we were head-to-head and I just won the sprint.”

Wyllie has been selected to ride for Great Britain in two international races in Belgium this weekend.