Belgian riders took first and second places at the second round of the National Trophy cyclo-cross series on Sunday (November 4).

Kevin Eeckhout (Coolens CT) lead home countryman Tom Van Den Bosch (Hargroves) on the Chantry Park circuit in Ipswich.

Endura Racing’s Oli Beckingsale, racing his first full ‘cross season, was third: a result that moves him to the top of the series standings.

Beckingsale ‘Tweeted’: “Beaten by two Belgies at the National cross today. But third and yellow leader’s jersey made it a great but muddy/cold day out.”

The racing was characterized by heavy conditions and the Belgian duo proved fastest in the thick mud.

Eeckhout was home in just under an hour, with Van Den Bosch 25 seconds back, and Beckingsale 11 seconds further down.

Beckingsale is enjoying an impressive come back after serious injury last season.

He took overall victory in the national cross country mountain bike series earlier this year.

Hargroves’ under-23 rider, Steven James, delivered an impressive profrmance to hold off another Belgian, Yorben Van Tichelt, a member of the Sunweb Revor team of World Cup holder, Kevin Pauwels.

Defending National Trophy Series champion, Paul Oldham (Hope Factory) was sixth, with fellow Brits, David Fletcher (Orange Monkey/Cannondale) eighth, Jody Crawforth (Hargroves) ninth, and Nick Craig (Scott) in tenth.

Louie Robinson (Islabikes Woman) showed the way home to her younger competitors in the women’s race to claim her second consecutive victory and extend her lead at the top of the women’s series.

The veteran was a full 43 seconds ahead of Adela Carter (Hope Factory), who was over a minute ahead of Diane Lee (Zepnat/Kuota. GSG).

Defending champion, Hannah Barnes, suffered a difficult day and finished in ninth, over four-and-a-half minutes behind Robinson.