CYCLIST Christina Wiejak has been named as the winner of The Mail’s October Sports Performance of the Month Award after winning the Three Peaks Cyclo-cross event for the second year running.

The Barrow Central Wheelers member had enjoyed a strong summer road racing season and went into the event full of confidence.

Regarded as one of the toughest cyclo-cross events in the world, the Three Peaks is held at Helwith Bridge, Yorkshire, and covers a gruelling 61 kilometres both on and off-road – not to mention 1,524 metres of ascent.

However, Wiejak not only took victory for the second year in a row but also managed to better her time from 2017, completing the course in 3hrs 45mins.

“The Three Peaks Cyclo-cross is known as the ‘toughest cyclo-cross race in the world’ for a reason, as there is a lot that can and does go wrong – it can break the fittest of riders,” said Wiejak

“I was extremely nervous about the race, as I was defending last year’s title, and the pressure was much greater than last year.

“However, as soon as we set off, my legs felt good, and I moved well up the group on the first road section.”

The Rampside rider, who works at Velo Ulverston, picked up a certificate marking her achievement and a £50 prize courtesy of award sponsor Furness Heating Components. This month’s winner will be announced in due course.