The Irish at the World Champs, through the lens of Toby Watson

We sent the Davids to face Goliath at the World Cyclocross Championships at the weekend.

Our riders are rising and their performances in Zolder can be the start of big things for the domestic 'cross scene and the stars it will inevitably produce.

Junior David Conroy survived a savage race to come in 48th place; without question the first of many Worlds rides for the Wicklow man and Irish champion.

And while David Montgomery already has an elite national title under his belt along with a wealth of experience racing abroad, a back injury forced him out early against the best U23s in the world on Sunday.

But like Conroy, he'll be back.

Toby Watson braved the rain and mud and brings us this set of great shots.

These are just a selection captured through the lens of Watson and his full set of images can be viewed on his Facebook page.

It was great to see the green of Ireland in the field at a 'cross Worlds; a spectacle made possible by Cycling Ireland, the riders and their support teams.