Racing returned to Carlisle Cycle Circuit on Thursday as the city’s Carlisle Cycling Association celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.
There’s a busy season of races ahead and this first week started much as last season finished in the youngest age groups, with the Stewart brothers of Castle Douglas dominating the boys racing.
Josh came home first in the Under 12s; Cobey took the win in the Under 10s and Mitch won the under 8s race.
In the girls’ races Kirstie Annable of Derwentside CC won the under 10s race and there was another Scottish victory in the Under 8s, from young Zoe Martin.
The older age groups took to the Circuit next with the Under 16 boys matched, so that a group of six contested the final sprint.
There was a strong Cumbrian showing in this race with Alex Hodgson of Penrith beating his Cog Set Papyrus team mate Ewan McGrath of Frizington into second place. The podium was completed by Zach Barbour of Stepping Stanes Youth Cycling Club from Dumfries.
Zach’s sister Izzy won the under 14 girls’ race and there was a North East victory in the Under 14 boys, with Zach Stobbs of Tyneside Vagabonds coming home first.
Several of the young riders were competing in their first ever races this week and everyone put in a great effort, battling a strong headwind into the finish straight.
The wind had dropped somewhat by the time the adults began to race in the evening sun. A group of six soon broke away from the main bunch, but this was gradually whittled down to a group of four over the course of the race.
It was neck and neck coming out of the final bend but in the last 100 metres first year Junior Sam Barbour, now riding for the Ribble rchrg Race Team, powered away to round off an excellent night for his family.
Chris Little of Studio Velo, who had led the race for a good while, had to settle for second on this occasion, with the Army Cycling Union’s Corey Snell taking third.
Narrowly missing the podium in 4th was Cumbria’s highest finisher, Kendal CC’s Henry Hunter who rode a strong race.
Next week CCA will be hosting racing for adults of all categories, beginning with a Category 4 race for less experienced racers which will be followed by what is expected to be a keenly contested race between some of our fastest local riders and their visiting rivals.
