AFTER grabbing the overall lead in the 16-week Calshot Track League just two weeks ago, Ryan James has clinched the title in emphatic style.

James, of the Primera Bournemouth team, has made a name for himself in the winter leagues with strong performances at Calshot, - and on the indoor track league at Newport in South Wales, which boasts world champions.

It usually takes time to master the skills necessary to compete at this level, but the Lymington cyclist, a relative newcomer, has proved a fast learner - and that brute strength can sometimes compensate for slight weaknesses in other areas.

Going into the final round nine points ahead, James, pictured above, was there to be shot at, with nearest rival John Marriner from Bournemouth determined not going to go down without a fight.

In a pressure situation where one mistake can cost the title, Ryan took a leaf out of Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong's book and decided attack was the best form of defence.

James won the opening three events and was only denied a total whitewash by Andy Storey in the sprint.

Four wins by Swanmore's Matt Coates couldn't wrestle the overall B League title away from fellow junior Dan Manelfi from Worthing but it secure second place overall and lifted the junior title ahead of Manelfi. Youngster William Couch dominated the under 12 league, winning by an incredible 52 points.

Racing returns to Calshot at Easter with the traditional open meeting and a chance to watch top-class racing.

Time trialists returned to racing in the Sotonia CC 10 at the weekend when the testing Lyndhurst course brought out the best in the promoting club's Stuart Martingale.

He put in a great performance for the time of year, winning by more than a minute from clubmate Andy Rivett in 24min 52sec. After a successful cyclocross season, GA Cycles rider and owner Gary Allan was third in 26.13.

The active Sotonia CC have another event on the same course and an open event in Andover on March 19.

Rob Hayles came out of Malaysia's Tour of Langkawi with a fifth place on a stage, having threatened a stage win a couple of times as he prepares for the World Track Championships in Los Angeles. The final stage in Kuala Lumpar would have suited Hayles' aggressive riding style, but illness forced him out.

One of the South's most successful and popular riders, Danny Axford, has signed for the Arctic-Shorter-Rochfordsquad for 2005. Having raced successfully for the Stilton RT in previous seasons, Axford fills the vacant team leader position and will aim for success in the season-long Premier Calendar events and national ten and 25-mile time trials, plus defending his national students' hill climb title.

The road season kicks off in the south on Sunday with the annual Perfs Pedal Race at Rowlands Castle. The traditional British season-opener has been on the roads of Hampshire for 40 years and this year boasts a superb field, including Olympians Rob Hayles, Chris Newton and Paul Manning as well as top Welshman Julian Winn. Racing starts at 11am.

Results: Sunday - Senior A League, 28-lap scratch: 1 Ryan James (primera_bournemouth.co.uk), 2 John Marriner (Bournemouth Jubilee Whlrs), 3 Andy Storey (Bournemouth Jubilee Whlrs). League points race: 1 Ryan James, 2 Jamie Newall (Evans RT), 3 John Marriner . Unknown distance: 1 Ryan James, 2 John Marriner, 3 Andy Storey. Sprint: 1 Andy Storey, 2 John Marriner, 3 Dan Manelfi (www.agiskoviner.com). Distance race: 1 Ryan James, 2 Dan Manelfi, 3 Nick O'Hara (Sotonia CC).

Senior B League, 28-lap scratch: 1 Steve Harris (Team Trackcycling.co.uk/Fordthorne), 2 Matt Coates (VC St Raphal/Waite Contracts/Hewitt Cycles, 3 Mario Manelfi (www.agiskoviner.com). League points race: 1 Matt Coates (VC St Raphal), 2 Mario Manelfi (www.agiskoviner.com), 3 Tony (Hart Team Axiom). Unknown distance: 1 Matt Coates, 2 Mario Manelfi, 3 Steve Harris. Sprint: 1 Matt Coates, 2 Mario Manelfi, 3 Graham Charlton. Distance race: 1 Matt Coates, 2 Mario Manelfi, 3 Steve Harris .

Youth Under-12/U10/U8, warm-up: 1 William Couch (Bournemouth Arrow CC), 2 Jonathan Dibben (i-team.co.uk), 3 Matt Legg (Palmer Park Velo). Ikm: 1William Couch, 2 Jonathan Dibben, 3 Matt Legg. Sprint: 1 William Couch, 2 Jonathan Dibben, 3 Patrick Roberts.

Final overal (after 16 meetings).

A League: 1 Ryan James 157 points, 2 John Marriner 143, 3 Simon Saunders (SP Systems/ Wightlink RT 59.

B League: 1 Dan Manelfi 110, 2 Matt Coates 95, 3 Andy Plewes (RN & RM CA) 66.

Youth U12 / U10: 1 William Couch 224, 2 Patrick Roberts 172, 3 Jonathan Dibben (New Forest CC) 52.

Juniors: 1 Matt Coates 51, 2 Dan Manelfi 33, 3 Ben Plain (Hargroves Cycles) 23.

Sotonia CC 10-mile time trial, Lyndhurst: 1 Stuart Martingale (Sotonia CC) 24:52, 2 Andy Rivett (Sotonia CC) 25:41, 3 Gary Allan (GA Cycles) 26:13.