COLCHESTER Rovers' Jason Taylor claimed a stunning victory over the national champion as the summer grass track season began in earnest.

He triumphed over the reigning 800 metres champion to secure a memorable win, in the senior unknown distance race at the meeting promoted by Ipswich BC, at Chantry Park.

Rain showers through the day made the going under tyre a little soft, although the 300m track stood up well to the damp conditions.

Rovers youth riders were again on form, with Tom Carson claiming the win in the under-14 longest lap race.

Thomas White and Oli Partner both secured podium places in the under-14 overall omnium results and Matilda Challinor won the under-eight girls' competition, including a great one-lap time trial performance to beat all the boys.

Ollie Davey-Smith also went well in the under-16 category.

Rovers riders were also in action at a meeting promoted by West Suffolk Wheelers, in Bury St Edmunds.

They competed in warm sunshine at the Fornham All Saints track, with events including the Men's National 800m final featuring top riders from around the country.

Rovers youth riders were out in force competing in the under-eight to under-16 races, with the six different omnium format contests keeping them busy throughout the day.

Bradley Taylor in the under-tens excelled in his time trial beating all the under-12 racers.

That gave him a good base from which he built to claim first overall, in the under-tens.

Thomas White also looked full of power all afternoon and clinched first overall in the under-14 contest.