A CYCLIST from Bromsgrove has enjoyed an extraordinary month in the saddle after winning two gold medals and a national title.

Phil Blacker, 37, secured two medals at the World Firefighter Games in Liverpool at the end of August and then won the mountain bike title at the National Championships in Staffordshire.

In Liverpool, Blacker defeated defending champion Gavin Pardoe to clinch the 25 mile time trial title in the 18 to 39-year-old age group.

He then added to his tally in the 30-39 mountain bike section to beat a French opponent and take the gold.

In Cannock Chase a week later, Blacker got the better of holder Alan Nixon to win the national championships in the mountain bike category.

He said: “It was great to win the title. Alan Nixon’s been the dominant force but I have been in great form on the mountain bike.

“I was also delighted to have won two golds at the games, I felt in great shape and my efforts really have paid off.”