WORCESTERSHIRE’S Liam Killeen won his first British Cycling National Trophy Cyclo-Cross Series elite men’s race of the season only to be disqualified for a minor technical infringement.

But fellow county cyclist Evie Richards powered to victory in the elite women’s race in round five at Peel Park, Bradford.

Elite men’s series leader Ian Field took to the front and was looking forward to another win but could not shake off the shadow of the pursuing Olympian Killeen.

In the final 20 minutes, Malvern 33-year-old Killeen closed the gap on reigning champion, Field.

The ground deteriorated even more and the five-time British mountain bike champion moved in on his prey, upping the pace and then attacking.

Field could not respond as Killeen pulled away, riding the final lap alone at the front.

But later the race official delivered the disqualification to regional champion Killeen, much to the disapproval of the Malvern supporters.

Reports suggest it was because he was seen riding through the pit area.

Field admitted: “It’s not the way I wanted to win but rules are rules and it’s a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) race so I guess they’ve got to abide by the rules.’’ But Killeen’s pedigree and power will play on Field’s mind as the National Championships approach.

In the morning session, Harriet Harnden, of Malvern Cycle Sport, proved too strong for Nottingham Clarion’s Poppy Wildman in the under-16s race, taking her first win of the series.

Harden got caught up in an early crash only to show off her skills and power through the field to claim a well-deserved victory.

Malvern’s Ross Harnden finished in 15th place in the junior field.

Richards, 18, took her second win in as many weeks after another dominant performance in the elite women’s race.

The T-Mo Racing teenager from Malvern, who crashed on the opening lap, had to fight from midfield to take the lead and ultimately the win.

Redditch rider Beth Crumpton, of Pearl Izumi-Sports Tours, took the early initiative and set out a quick pace from the whistle.

Amira Mellor (Oldfield/Paul Milnes), Ffyon James (Abergavenny RC) and Hannah Payton (Team Kenesis) were away at the head of the field.

Richards had work to do but soon rode through to the front of the race and by the second lap had left the rest to fight out the lower placings.

She said: “It was a bit dirty. It wasn’t windy so there wasn’t much tactics. It was just go as hard as you could.

“I had a bit of a slip but, once I got out front, I just tried to take it steady around the corners.

“Coming into the first pits, I decided to run but I got on my bike a bit earlier than the others and my dad shouted, ‘Go, Evie!’ So that was it, I just went.”

James Richards worked tirelessly, ensuring each bike was maintained and jet washed after every lap.

Malvern Cycle Sport will be well represented at the National Championships in Shrewsbury on Sunday, January 10.