RECORD holder Rob Jebb once again won the Three Peaks Cyclo Cross – the biggest and toughest Cyclo Cross event in the country.

Jebb has been competing in the event since 2000 and has now tasted victory on ten separate occasions, with his latest triumph coming in a time of 03:05:14.

Representing Hope Factory Racing, the 38-year-old pre-race favourite turned in another commanding performance and was more than seven minutes quicker than his closest rival.

He survived a puncture approaching the top of the final climb of Pen-y-ghent but still managed to retain his title from Cononley veteran Ian Taylor.

Jedi Cycle Sport’s Taylor finished in 03:12:39, as fellow Hope Factory Racing rider Dave Collins came home in third with a time of 03:14:05.

Jebb made his customary surge on the opening climb to pull away from the leading group, riding without alarm until his late scare although he was thrilled with his victory.

“It was absolutely spot on to win it for a tenth time and never did I think that would be possible when I started competing at the turn of the century,” he said.

“The winning margin sounds a lot but it only takes a mechanical problem and that lead can be clawed back.

“And that is what happened. I felt comfortable with the gap I had but I punctured in the last 50m on Pen-y-ghent and had to make it back with a flat tyre.

“I’m delighted though and will certainly be back to defend my crown next year.”

Now in its 51st year, close to 600 competitors took part in the race which has an escorted 5.5km start from Helwith Bridge.

The 61km route takes in 28km of road while 33km of the course is unsurfaced with a total climb of 1524m, and Jebb recorded a string of fast leg finishes to finish ahead of the chasing pack.

He took 00:43:23 to get to Ingleborough in the first before his race culminated in a 00:20:51 finish back to Helwith Bridge.