Cycling: Rob Gough says he wrecked his chances in the National Hill Climb at Cheddar Gorge on Sunday by starting too quickly.

The 24-year-old, from Forest Farm in Chippenham, finished 14th in seven minutes 31 seconds, two places up from last year, but says he is disappointed.

"I went a little too quickly in the first stage and was the fastest after the first 0.6 of a mile," said Gough.

"But after that, every pedal felt like I wanted it to be my last.

I am disappointed, but it was too long a climb for me because I am more of a short sprinter.

"I have to learn from my mistakes so next year I can come back stronger and know what I have to do."

Gough, who was riding for John's Bikes Race Team in Bath, had targeted a top ten finish in the 2.1 mile course but had to concede 14th in the country was a good end to an impressive season.

He won the Wick Hill Climb, along with the Oxford, Reading, Hinton, Peak Hill and Bowden Hill events.

In the final lead up to the national event, Gough came third in the Catford and Bec CC races.

"It is not a bad position and I have to look at the season overall," said the former Chippenham Wheeler.

"I won six races and came third in the others so obviously I have to be pretty happy."

Now, Gough will take two weeks out before starting his winter training in preparation for next season.

He said: "I'll have a bit of time off and then start training for my road race elite licence.

"I'll see what happens next year before going for the hill climb again."