Summer still seems to be eluding us, and the gloomy weather plus school exams probably contributed to a somewhat reduced turn out at Carlisle Cycle Circuit.
But there was no drop in standard with some skilful and attacking riding seen across all age groups.
In the first race for the younger children, the Derwentside CC pairing of Kirstie Annable and Jake Gibson won the Under 10s section whilst Izzy Barbour from Castle Douglas and local rider Luke Davison were winners for the Under 12s.
There was some fine riding in the older Youth race with an in-form Sam Barbour dominating the Under-16 boys, a convincing victory in the Under-14 boys for Cameron Annable and Edinburgh’s Kasey Park giving her usual good showing in the Under-14 girls race.
The race of the night was the adult Category 3 and 4 race with a mixture of local riders and visitors battling it out for the British Cycling ranking points on offer.
The bunch split into two main groups fairly early on, with both youth and experience well represented in the leading group.
Beacon Wheelers was the most successful local club with three riders – Matt Atkinson, Ed Moss and Joss Livesey – in the top 10.
But it was the visitors who took the podium places this week, and the judges needed to study the photo finish and details of the electronic timing system to confirm the winner.
After some deliberation first place was awarded to the 17-year-old Scot Cormac McConville by the narrowest of margins from Max Lutz- Atkinson, with Cameron Muir completing the podium.
It was an exciting finish with the young winner certainly impressing the spectators and indeed, his fellow riders.
Racing returns next week with adult races for all categories of rider. New racers, spectators or helpers are always welcome at the events.
