WOODHEY High School pupil Corinne Side underlined her reputation as one of the country's brightest young cycling prospects by finishing second in her age group at the National Hill Climb Championships in Matlock on Sunday.

Just two days after her 16th birthday, the Holcombe Brook rider was runner-up in the 16s race and third in the junior category, for cyclists aged 18 and under.

She completed the gruelling 834m Bank Road climb in 3mins 42secs.

The event has a maximum gradient of 20 per cent and a similar reputation to that of the Ramsbottom Rake, a race in which Side won the junior category last month.

The GCSE student, who started riding for Bolton Hot Wheels Cycling Club after being inspired by a trip to watch Olympian Jason Kenny at Manchester Velodrome, has put in a string of impressive performances for her Racing Chance Foundation team this year.

Her potential was recognised earlier this year when she was called up to represent England at the British School Games - an event designed to introduce possible future Olympians to a multi-discipline event. She finished 16th in the road time trial.

Fellow Woodhey pupil Francis Woodcock also produced a fine display at the National Hill Climb on Sunday to finish fourth in the 14s race.

The 14-year-old won the juvenile title at the Rake in October and was crowned national clarion junior hill climb champion last month.