BRIDPORT’S Catriona Ross celebrated a double podium after securing the overall victory in the HSBC UK Cyclo-Cross National Trophy Series.

Round five, doubling as the national championship, came at a sodden South of England Showground in Ardingly, near Crawley.

Ross defied horrid conditions of driving rain and mud to beat the nearest competition by 11 seconds, winning an epic battle to take the national title and British champion’s jersey.

Ross had been engaged in a fierce battle with Isla Rowntree and Helen Pattinson in the Women’s Veterans 50-59 category all season.

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With the elements forcing some riders to dismount and run muddy sections, Ross used her skills to plough through the trickiest segments while remaining seated.

Rowntree dug in to put distance into Ross and Pattinson and looked certain to take the lead.

Dorset Echo: Catriona Ross battled the elements at Ardingly Picture: BASIL THORNTON PHOTOGRAPHYCatriona Ross battled the elements at Ardingly Picture: BASIL THORNTON PHOTOGRAPHY

However, Ross was not to be denied as she used her background steaming up Dorset hills to power across a 10-second gap to Rowntree on the final lap, sealing the title in style.

In round six at Skipton, Ross then finished second to Masters world champion Pattinson, who stormed to victory by one minute and two seconds.

Her efforts capped a superb season in which the Bridport CC racer claimed four victories and two second places.

Ross is supported by Bridport Cycles based in Symonsbury, who welcome all abilities to join them on a ride.