THEY say life begins at 40 and for Paul Oldham that just might be the case.

The East Lancashire cycling star proved himself to be the best of British on Saturday when he collected a GB title having stormed to victory in the National Cyclo-Cross Championships 40-49 category.

And the Barnoldswick star then secured a top five finish in the elite race the following day to complete a stellar weekend in Sunderland.

Oldham, who is in his first year as a veteran in cyclo-cross, was delighted with the victory.

"You can't take any race for granted and I was pleased to win," the 40-year-old told the Lancashire Telegraph.

"I had been riding in the elite category for the Trophy series but stepped up for the national's because you can't turn down the chance to win a national jersey and fortunately it worked out.

"It's not too bad getting old!"

He added: "Even though it was Vets it was a very good field, you can't give any of those guys an inch because they are too good and too strong."

Oldham, a multiple Three Peaks race winner, who won the elite national title earlier in his career, was joined on the opening lap by Ian Taylor and the pair opened up a small gap.

Nick Craig then attacked to try and close the gap but Oldham responded and powered clear to finish nearly a minute ahead of Craig.

He then turned his attention to Sunday's elite race.

The Hope Factory Racing men battled to a fine fifth, just behind teammate Steven James, as Grant Ferguson took the title.

"I was happy with that performance, especially coming on the back of the race the day before," he added.

The weekend action was streamed live on the BBC website and Oldham felt that was a sign of the sport's rising popularity.

"It used to be on Grandstand a few years ago but it was good coverage for the sport and it is growing," he added.

"The course was good and there was a big crowd watching so it is all positive."

Oldham, who claimed the Mountain Bike Vets XC and Marathon national titles last year, will now switch his focus back to that discipline.

He added: "That is me done for cyclo-cross this season now, I am having an operation on my nose next month and then I will have a crack at the Masters' World Championship mountain bike and see how I get on."