FORMER racing cyclist Howard Clark doesn't believe in resting on his laurels - he's still in the saddle at the age of 92.

The Skelton nonagenarian won a clutch of medals in his younger days and has never lost his love for pedal power.

Originally from Leeds, where he ran his own motor mechanics business, he retired with his wife to Skelton more than 20 years ago and continues regularly to cycle round the roads near his home.

"I am still very fit and get around on my bike. I love it," he said.

"When I was 14 I started work at a garage and needed to cycle to get there and back home and I suppose that's when my enthusiasm for cycling began.

"I don't belong to any clubs or compete these days. I'm not able to do that at my age. But I still go out on my bike every week."

When he was 17 he won a six miles cyclo-cross in Leeds with Bramley Harriers. He belonged to the Yorkshire Cycling Club and competed in road time trials and hill climbs.

In 1927 he won the Norwood Edge one-in-seven one mile hill climbs and the following year beat his best times over 50 miles.

A mishap prevented him riding in the Clifton 50 mile event in May 1928. He set off for the competition, riding on a motor cycle pillion with his bike over his shoulders. But on the way to the muster point at the Bumper Castle pub the motor cycle's near tyre burst and he couldn't get to the cycling event.

In 1929 he won the National Cycle Union West Riding 50 miles bronze medal and was a member of the championship-winning team.

His proudest memory is when he beat the defending champion to win a 25 miles time trial from Wetherby to Boroughbridge and back.

He was a motor mechanic all his working life and when he was serving in the Army with the 46th Infantry Division he rose from being a Private to Warrant Officer first class.

After the Second World War he started his own business, Clark of Leeds, at Crown Point.

"When I was racing I had a single speed gear 78 type for road races and 64 for hill climbs. I can remember only one cyclist in my day who had a three-speed gear. Of course, these days it's totally changed.

"I intend to carry on with my cycling. I am fit and have no health problems," he added.

Updated: 11:55 Friday, April 12, 2002