DARYL Bolter is still riding high in the World Enduro motorbike championships after speeding to yet another podium finish.

After picking up his first outright win on the international stage in Poland, the Durrington racer had high hopes for the Italian leg of his debut world campaign.

But a crash in the cross country test on day one in Tolmezzo cost him valuable seconds and saw him slide to fifth.

He said: "There were no ruts, so I found it hard to be competitive with the 250cc machines on speed alone.

"I think I was also a little cautious because it was in a fast cross country special test that I broke my wrist last year.

"On one of the laps I clipped a rock and got fired over the handlebars - but it was completely my mistake."

But rather than being put off by the spectre of history repeating itself, the 20-year-old went into day two with all guns blazing, determined to regain his status as a leading contender for podium honours.

His determination paid off and, despite incurring a ten-second time penalty, Bolter roared back into contention, eventually finishing third - the highest-placed 125cc rider in the race.

He said: "I was fired up and wanted to improve on my result from day one. It was good to get back on the podium."

Bolter now lies fourth in the World Junior Enduro Champion-ship standings.

Woodfalls racer Steve Thomson leads the clubman class of the British Motorcycle Racing Club's series after enjoying a double success at Brands Hatch.

Thomson, who is in his second year of racing, also set the fastest lap time in the Forza Extreme open class.

He is hoping to consolidate his lead at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire.