Kingsbridge's own cycling superstar Hester Stembridge took to the track for the National Youth Circuit Race Championships in Blackpool last weekend.

The best 65 under 16 female cyclists from all over the UK were gathered to battle it out for the national title, with Hester racing for Hammer Sports/EFI. 

The race started at a very fast pace, with several riders trying to get an advantage.

Eventually Maisie Duckworth of Wolverhampton Wheelers opened out – and held – a 28-second gap to the bunch. 

Duckworth was chased down at around the half way mark and although there were a few attempts to test the bunch's resolve, that resolve held firm and all the favourites were still together at the bell. 

Hester was in the lead group until about half way through the last lap when she attacked from the front, gaining about twenty metres only to be caught by the lead group in the bunch sprint. 

It was Grace Garner of RST Racing who edged out Charlotte Broughton of MG Decor to claim the title.

Elizabeth Holden of Team Royal London 360 Isle of Man came through to take the bronze. 

Hester finished 12th overall, an excellent result in a very strong field.

Hester would like to thank Hammer Sports and Thompson Bikes for supplying a replacement frame after hers was damaged in a crash during the previous week's racing.