Young cyclists from all over the north gathered in Carlisle for a major cycling event.
Carlisle Cycling Association hosted Round 1 of the Dolan Bikes North West Youth League.
The day started bright dry and sunny, but with a strong breeze that posed some difficulties for the riders.
The youngest competitors set off first, with the Under 8s and Under 10s riding a shortened circuit with all the riders showing great enthusiasm for the challenge.
Oliver Edwards of Red Rose Olympic and Megan Smith from North Cheshire Clarion took the gold medals in the Under 8s races whilst in the Under-10s Scot Cobey Stewart, a regular rider at Carlisle, dominated the boys race and Libby Winkley of Shibden CC was first girl across the line.
A good turn-out in the Under-12s bodes well for the future of youth cycling in the region, and these youngsters showed some great spirit and skills tackling the full 1km circuit for half an hour in increasing winds.
Both races had exciting finishes with Lewis Anderson of Manila Cycling getting the better of Stepping Stanes’ Josh Stewart in the boys’ race and the top three girls separated by only 0.6 of a second, with Katie Lawson of Secret-Training CC coming home victorious.
By the time the older children came to ride, the wind was really howling, at about 20mph with gusts close to 40mph, so it was a real achievement for all the finishers.
The judges had to deliberate over the under-14s boys result as it was so close but it was Penrith rider Alex Hodgson riding for Salt Ayre Cogset who climbed to the top step of the podium, edging out Edinburgh’s Elliot Speedie by the narrowest of margins.
The Under 14 and Under 16 girls rode together for 50 minutes in ever worsening winds, with Abby Johnston of North Cheshire Clarion coming home strongly as first in the Under 14s.
The highlight of the Under 16 race was the battle between the well-matched Lucy Glover of Derwentside CC and Evelyn Field of Liverpool Century CC, with the popular north east rider finally overcoming her very worthy Merseyside rival with a strong finish into the headwind.
The Under 16 boys race closed the day with an hour’s riding in some of the strongest winds anyone could remember racing in at the Carlisle Circuit.
The race split into several groups with some excellent race craft demonstrated by the teens as they battled the conditions.
Ultimately it was John White who broke free and took the win, rounding off an excellent day of results for North Cheshire Clarion, but praise should go to every rider who tackled what was a very tough race.
CCA have thanked all the riders, coaches and parents who participated in the event with great spirit and enthusiasm, and all the volunteers who helped the day run smoothly.
Special thanks went to the series sponsor Dolan Bikes and to Allied Mobility of Glasgow who funded the prizes for the day.
Round 2 of the NW Youth League takes place in Liverpool next month, whilst racing resumes at Carlisle Circuit on Thursday evening with two races for adults.
