The clouds were dark and ominous for most of the evening, but the rain held off until the end of another successful night of riding at Carlisle Cycle Circuit.
Carlisle Cycling Association were holding the fourth of their evening series of races.
The evening began with a race for Category 4 riders only, and the field of 22 riders was a mix of those new to the sport and more experienced riders keen to collect the British Cycling ranking points on offer in a bid to gain promotion to category 3.
Riders ranged in age from their early 20’s to their 60’s and the race was competitive but well-mannered with some excellent riding on show.
Cyclists had travelled from Scotland and the north east to compete but in the end it was local rider James Parkin of Beacon Wheelers who came home first.
Cumbrians were also well represented in the next race, for Category 2, 3 and experienced 4th category riders, with Tom Roper riding for team INFLITE taking second.
Beacon Wheelers’ Neil Withington, making a late charge, took third and David Hill of the Giant-Kendal team finished in a creditable fifth place.
It was a close finish, but it was Corin Halliday of Glasgow riding for Torvelo Racing who had the edge over his competitors, securing the ten points for the win.
The top five were all second category riders except 4th placed Oliver Newton who was the first 3rd Category rider home.
The young Scot has already moved up from 4th Category this season and is well on his way towards 2nd Category now.
Special mentions go to Ross Burgess and Manuel Cozzani, 4th category riders who competed in both races back-to-back and put in great work in both.
No doubt the competition for points will be hot in next week’s category 3 and 4 race with several of the regular riders close to moving up to their next category.
The Youth riders are also in action next time, with races for boys and girls from Under-8s to Under-16s scheduled.
