The riders didn’t disappoint last night when dry conditions with minimal wind promised fast racing conditions at Carlisle Cycle Circuit.
The latest round of racing started with a 50-minute race for category three and four riders. A fast start soon split the bunch into several groups, with a number of riders making early attacks.
Vanelli-Project Go rider Graham Smith was the one who made the decisive move, riding solo to a convincing victory.
There was plenty of action in the group behind, however, with a selection of strong riders determined to collect the remaining British Cycling ranking points on offer.
The battle for second place was won by one of the youngest riders in the race, Jude Davison of Dearham, riding for Cogset Papyrus Racing Club with an also impressive Oliver Newton of Ayr completing the podium.
After a short break, many of the Category 3 riders returned to the Circuit to compete against the more highly ranked Category 2 riders.
The 3s put up a good fight, but their efforts in the first race had taken their toll, with many of the riders starting to flag as the second race progressed.
Eventually the Category 2 riders took control of the race and when Jamie Mackenzie of META Bike Vision attacked with around 400m to go, it looked like the victory was his.
However veteran Beacon Wheelers rider and chairman of Carlisle Cycling Association Neil Withington had other ideas and he launched a blistering final sprint to grab the win by a wheel.
Third place went to Felix Barker of Hope Factory racing, and the first Category 3 rider home was Joe Leiserach of Blaydon CC.
Next Thursday evening the youth riders will be back in action with races for all groups from Under 8 to Under 16, followed by another chance for the Category 3 and 4 adults to do battle. Racing starts at 6.30pm and spectators are welcome.
