SWINDON Cycles Race Academy rider Tom Bowering finished second in the annual Race Across America recently.

The 18-year-old from Ramsbury clocked five days, 22 hours and 34 minutes for the 3,000-mile route that goes from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland.

That allowed him to beat the British record despite the fact he has only been cycling seriously for three years.

“It was a great experience and there was some very exciting racing,” said Bowering.

“Second place at the age of 18 is a great achievement and I’m very happy to have completed the race in such a good time.”