MORETON-IN-MARSH mountain biker and triple veteran national champion Marc Chamberlain saw his chance to retain the British Cycling National Cross Country MTB Championship in the veteran category end in disappointment at Cathkin Braes, East Kilbride.

Thirty five riders jostled for the title over the upgraded five-lap course.

Chamberlain raced at the head of the field for the opening three laps with his two principal rivals, Stuart Bowers and Nick Craig.

Chamberlain and Craig then pushed the pace to build a gap of about 10 seconds over Bowers until a slip on wet tree roots for Chamberlain allowed Craig to go clear.

Further misfortune was to befall the reigning champ. Having just avoided a collision with a back-marker, Chamberlain suffered another encounter with slippery roots – this time ending in a tyre blow-out.

Pushing his bike to the tech zone, Marc was met by his father with a new wheel and a frantic sprint saw him recover into third behind new champion Craig and the runner-up Bowers.

It was not the end of Chamberlain's eventful day as he was disqualified for entering the tech zone the wrong way.

Ever positive, Chamberlain said: "I trained hard over the winter and I'm really happy with my performance, despite the misfortune.

"I'm proud of myself for being at the front of the race and pushing someone that has been at the very highest level in the UK and raced around the world (Nick Craig).

"Stuart Bowers has also raced at an extremely high standard, and has represented Great Britain in the world championships."

Chamberlain will bid for revenge over these two rivals at the finale of the five-round British Cycling MTB cross country series at Cannock Chase on August 7.

Cotswold Cycles rider Chamberlain currently leads the standings but with just the best four finishes (of five) to count, Craig remains favourite having won the last three races of the championship after an indifferent opening round.