FRESH from clinching an impressive victory in the Springtime Pursuit Series, Torquay's talented junior rider Matt Hill is already setting his sights on making his mark further afield.

Hill, 17, followed up first and fourth places in the first two Springtime events when he won the third and final leg on his own on the old A30 east of Exeter at the weekend.

"This is only my second season of racing and my last year as a Junior," said Hill.

"I want to try and win more local races in the South-West.

"But my main goal is to try and finish in the top-five in one of the National Junior Series races."

For his latest victory the Westlands Sixth Form student attacked into the wind, just after four groups in the handicapped race had come together.

Hill, who rides for the host Mid-Devon CC/Colin Lewis Cycles, quickly opened up a gap.

He took the final intermediate 'prime' prize and stayed clear to win by 19 seconds, completing the 65 kilometre course in 1hr 34mins 49secs.

Hill was quick to acknowledge the help that he received from Mid-Devon teammates in keeping the fastest 'scratch' riders at bay.

"They were all working for me, doing big turns at the front to try and stop the guys at the back from catching us," he said.

The windy conditions made it hard going for another full field.

Hill, who had started the first race in Group One, found himself in the third group away for the final race.

But they were the best organised group of riders, and they worked to stay clear of a scratch group which included Devon pro Ianto Barker (Le Col), Mid-Devon veteran Andrew Hitchens and Gary Chambers (South Fork Racing), who was a contender for overall honours.

Peter Robinson (Somerset RC) and Mid-Devon junior Jonathan Aske won the first two 'primes'.

But, with the 'scratch' group still in arrears at the key moment, nobody could match Hill's winning move.

In second place at the line was Sam Deakin (Somerset RC).

Third, at 22 seconds, was James Lowsley-Williams (Agisco-Viner).

Fourth, and winner of the bunch sprint, was Mid-Devon's Ashley Watts, 30 seconds after Hill crossed the line.

Jason Perry (Cardiff Jif/Cyclopedia) was fourth and Sam Anstice (Cwmcarn) fifth, with Mid-Devon junior Brennan Townshend in eighth place.

PLYMOUTH'S Ali Holland (Shred Racing) could not quite complete a hat-trick of Springtime Pursuit Series wins, but she did more than enough to make sure of overall victory in the Ladies' section.

It's the first time in 30 years that Ladies' road racing has featured in the South-West.

For the third Springtime event, a field of 18 women lined up at the start.

Holland, who works at Ashburton, was always prominent as all the competitors stayed together until the first 'prime', won by Miriam Freemantle (Team Tor 2000).

The contenders were gradually reduced to six, then four as Holland took the final prime.

The finish came down to a sprint between Holland and Angharad Mason (Forza).

Mason won it, pipping Holland to complete the 35 kilometres in 1hr 13mins 53secs.

Third, 25 seconds away, was Mariann Brittain (Max Gear) and fourth Freemantle at 37 seconds.

Fiona Telfer-Brunton (One & All Cycling) was fifth, just over a minute behind, with Gail Aspden (Penzance Wheelers) sixth.