James Sharp (r) is a former North Yorkshire cyclo-cross champion

York cyclist James Sharp achieved an excellent 16th place in Sunday's Ryedale Grand Prix, in what he called "my last race for quite a few years".

Sharp, who rides for York Cycleworks, told BBC York: "I've got a second child on the way and I'd like to dedicate most of my time to my first child.

"I tried especially hard today," added the Strensall-based rider, after the 112.5-mile race at Helmsley.

Sharp was in one of two breakaway groups which made for an exciting race.

He explained: "We got in a break of five riders. We must have covered 95 miles, just the five of us, but the chasing group caught us.

"As soon as they got to us, one of the main contenders attacked, and we just didn't have the legs to go with them, so we just plodded round for the last few laps."

Despite that, Sharp's 16th place finish is very impressive for a Category 2 rider, and he was the highest-placed finisher in that group.

Sharp's team-mate Alastair Kay added: "We've got most of the best riders in Britain here today, quite a few Olympic medallists and a lot of the cream of Britain's cyclists.

"North Yorkshire's weather smiled on us; it forecast rain but it didn't happen."

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