A young Ilkley couple who spend most of their dates out cycle training have scooped a double win at a major bike race.

Brit Tate (20) and boyfriend Robert Watson (22) were both triumphant at the Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix held on Sunday.

Brit, who has been cycling for just three years, fought off competition from a field of 34 female riders including British Olympic gold medalist Joanna Rowsell MBE to win the Pure Communications Women’s only race.

Speaking afterwards, the young rider, who was riding with team GB Cycles.Co.Uk, said: “It is absolutely amazing to have won.

“I felt like I was riding in the Olympics on the last lap.

“The crowd were so supportive. I have never won anything like this before. I’m completely speechless. To have won against such a talented group of riders including Joanna Rowsell is fantastic, I’m just so pleased.”

Robert, her boyfriend of nearly two years, then went on to make it a double win for the couple when he was the first to cross the line in the fast and furious Stan’s Cycle Elite race.

Watson, who had been visiting Shropshire for the first time, described his win as ‘awesome’ and took great pleasure in announcing to the crowds that Brit was his girlfriend.

“With my girlfriend winn-ing the women’s race, we have done the double,” he said. “It’s absolutely awe-some. We will back next year to defend the titles.”