MALVERN Olympian Liam Killeen finished second senior at the British Mountain Bike Cross Country Championships in a remarkable return to form, despite starting on the fifth row when ranked a lowly 36th.

The honorary Malvern Cycle Sport Club member was among 54 to begin the first of seven three-mile laps, which included 530 feet of gruelling climbing.

Killeen, roared on by his Malvern support, moved up to eighth and was second by lap four.

He continued to close on the leader but ultimately finished 90 seconds adrift in one hour 38 minutes 50 seconds.

Earlier in the day, the 16 other Malvern Cycle Sport racers claimed five podium places, despite a few crashes, and were the best represented club by far.

The junior women’s event saw the rapidly improving Evie Richards finish second over four laps in 1.11.21.

In the masters category, Ed Moseley attempted to spectacularly claim victory but recovered for second after he was forced off the track.

Tom Fowler was fourth but second in his age group.

Ryan Milne suffered two crashes on his way to 16th master and Greg Fitzpatrick suffered a single hiccup in finishing 19th grand veteran.

Juveniles Hattie Harnden (4th) and Chloe Williamson (11th) did two laps in 43.03 and 49.38 respectively.

In the youth male category, Ross Harnden (7th) was 48 seconds ahead of Stan Pritchard (8th), who crashed on the top section. Tom Harnden managed second in the fun category.

James Dickens (17th), Tom Creber (20th) and Paddy O’Toole (22nd) did well against strong opposition in the under 23s category.

Dave Creber (7th) and Josh Brooks (22nd) rode 1.19.59 and 1.31.00 respectively for five laps in the junior class.

Malvern’s world enduro champion Tracy Moseley was guest of honour for the presentation ceremony.