Despite the unseasonably cold weather, the second of Carlisle Cycling Association’s spring races attracted a decent number of riders and supporters on Thursday evening.
The first race of the night was for Category 4 riders, British Cycling’s entry category for adult races. Women of any category are also allowed in these races and the men were joined on the start line by three talented Category 2 women.
The bunch stayed together for much of the race until Lucy Glover of Hexham made a strong attack with about 300 metres to go. Only Andrew Aynsley from Blaydon Cycling Club could stay with Lucy who is currently one of the highest ranked Junior women in the country.
They came to the line neck and neck, with the Blaydon man managing to get ahead in the final metres. The fight for the lower placings was also fierce with local rider Harriet Graham coming home in third place, followed by fellow Cumbrians Mark Studholme and Craig Scott.
Rebecca Newark of Kendal completed a fine set of results from the female riders, finishing sixth.
The evening concluded with a race for more experienced riders, with the field dominated by a number of strong Category 2 men.
A close battle was anticipated between The Ribble Collective’s Ben Chilton and Lewis Martin from Castle Douglas. The two men did not disappoint, breaking away from the rest of the bunch fairly early in the race and ultimately lapping the other riders twice.
The two leaders sprinted for the line together with the Scottish rider victorious by the narrowest of margins.
The final place on the podium went to another Scot, Sam Barbour who rode a dogged race, caught alone for many laps between the leaders and the rest of the bunch. One of the youngest riders in the race, the determined teen managed to hold off the chasing group for third.
Best placed Cumbrian in this race was another teenager, with Jude Davison of Dearham finishing in seventh.
Next week the association will be running racing for Youth riders of all age groups followed by an adult race for category 3 and 4 riders. New riders, helpers and spectators are always welcome at the Cycle Circuit.
