Matt Osborn was forced out of the under-23 race with one lap remaining. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0615969)

JOSH GOSSELIN was Guernsey’s top performer at the National Championships in the New Forest. He finished in an impressive 20th position in the biggest event in the British cross-country calendar.

He was one of seven Guernsey Velo Club cyclists who joined riders from all four corners of the British Isles fight it out to claim the 2008 national titles.

The course was an 8km loop that mainly comprised single track and also a few short, sharp climbs over dusty and bumpy terrain.

The seniors’ race saw Gosselin, who has been doing early season racing in New Zealand, as well as local cyclists Pete Miller, Jon Osborn and Richard Setters take part.

They were joined in the five-lap race by some Team GB riders in their final preparations before the Beijing Olympic Games, most notably Liam Killeen and reigning champ Oli Beckingsdale. Killeen won the race ahead of Beckingsdale in a time of 1-54-54.