It was something of a family affair in the younger age categories at Carlisle Cycling Association’s racing on Thursday night.
The three Stewart brothers from Castle Douglas all topped their respective podiums.
Youngest brother Mitchell won the Under 8s race, whilst Cobey, fresh from victory in the prestigious Isle of Man Youth Tour earlier in the week, was first in the Under 10s.
Big brother Josh was the fastest Under 12s boy while their clubmate Izzy Barbour won the Under 12 girls’ race, starting a good night for her family too.
In the older children’s race, North East rider Mason Bulfin dominated the Under 14 boys, beating Frizington’s Ewan McGrath into second, with Zach Barbour completing the podium.
Border City Wheelers’ Megan Pool was number one Under 14 girl while Euan Dinning of Gosforth and Sam, the eldest of the Barbour siblings, battled it out in the Under 16 boys, with the result expected to be close. Ultimately the North East rider finished extremely strongly to take the win.
The final race of the night, the category 3 and 4 adults, was also won by a rider from Castle Douglas. Lewis Martin lapped most of the field for a very convincing victory, with only Oliver Newton managing to avoid being passed.
With first and second places decided, attention turned to the battle for third place with the on-form Jude Davison of Dearham proving to be the best of the remaining bunch. His younger brother Luke had previously been placed second in the Under 12 boys’ race so the Davison family also went home happy.
An enjoyable evening was had by all, with a spirit of friendly competition evident in all age groups and every rider worthy of praise.
The association was pleased to welcome some youngsters racing at the circuit for the first time and look forward to seeing more new faces as the race series progresses.
Next week starts with a Category 4 race for newer adult racers and will be followed by a race for more experienced adults.
