CYCLIST Paul Hopkins from Shaftesbury emerged a winner in the Gravel World Series round in Scotland and qualified for the World Championships in Italy in October.

Paul, 52, beat 162 other riders in the 50-54 age category to take the top step and claim his first ever UCI world jersey and medal.

Some 861 competitors set off from Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, on the 71-mile off-road course, which included a 2,000-metre climb.

Paul, a factory rider for Merida Bikes and supported by Schwalbe Tyres and other brands, has been racing cross country mountain bikes for years and been Masters National Champion.

Gravel racing is a relatively new sport and the event in Scotland attracted riders from all over the world – including F1 driver Valtteri Bottas after the Italian grand prix was cancelled due to severe weather.