HALESOWEN Cycling’s Academy squad had a difficult week, with a team trial not going to plan in a stage race.

Tom Swingler went down heavily breaking his collar bone in the process, but he is now recovering well and expects to be racing again soon.

Happier news on the youth team, which has consistently performed well in the Midlands races with several team members also featuring prominently in National Competitions, is that it now has a healthy lead in the Midland Youth Series, comfortably topping the league table despite the competition from strong local clubs.

Elsewhere it was ex-Halesowen rider Ben Healy who took a remarkable result in the junior Tour of the Basque country.

This five day stage race taking place over four days features some of the world’s best young riders. Starting the race well with a fine second place on the first stage Ben stayed in contention throughout the event.

Coming into the last stage, a 14k time trial, Ben grasped the opportunity with both hands winning the stage and overhauling the leaders to take a fine overall first place.

Ben is the first British rider to win this event and the second youngest rider ever to take full honours.