At the second round of the National Trophy cyclo-cross race in Ipswich last Sunday pro mountain bike racer Liam Killeen proved he’s back to his winning ways (even though he wasn’t on a mountain bike) by taking the win in emphatic style ahead of the regular ‘cross racers.

Anyone who follows mountain bike racing will know that Liam Killeen has been under the radar in recent times, dropping in and out of the news. But judging on his form that took him to a win against a field of the country’s best cyclo-cross racers, Killeen sent a clear signal that his training is going well for the London Olympics in 2012.

It’s been a tough couple of years for the Malvern-born rider, beset by a virus in 2007 that led to him taking the year off. Returning in 2008 he claimed the British Mountain Biking National Championships and recorded an impressive 7th place at the Beijing Olympics, following up with a 4th at the World Championships.

2009 was a tougher year, and despite claiming the British Mountain Biking National Championships title once more was unable to finish inside the top ten at the World Cup series.

But it looks like Liam is back on track, with his fitness clearly in good shape. We personally hope this is a sure sign that Britain’s brightest hope for a medal at the London Olympics in 2012 is on track with his training and that any injuries or other setbacks are well behind the young rider. Our fingers are crossed.