There was a buzz of excitement at Harraby Sports Campus on Saturday as Carlisle Cycling Association hosted Round 2 of this year’s North West Youth League.
Nearly 120 young riders descended on the Cycle Circuit from as far away as the Isle of Man, Scotland and North Wales as well as across the North of England to race in the popular League which holds events around the region.
Riders’ ages ranged from five to 16 and from those participating in their first ever bike race to some of the highest ranked youngsters in the country, so there was something for everyone.
The visitors from the Isle of Man had a very good day, with multiple podium appearances including a 1-2-3 in the Under-8s girls race and Abi Clayton winning the Under-16’s girls race.
As expected, there was hot competition, particularly in the older age groups and the Under-14s boys provided the closest finish of the day. Manilla Cycling’s Lewis Anderson beat the Isle of Man’s Daniel Minay by three hundredths of a second and requiring the judges to scrutinise the finish line photo before confirming the result.
There were some up-and-coming riders in the Under-16s boys race, too, with Thomas Brennan of Beeston Cycling Club getting the better of Albie Jones from Cheshire on this occasion.
Both boys are currently in the top five of the national rankings for their age group and doubtless have bright futures ahead.
There were no Cumbrian wins on the day but local riders put in some strong performances, including Penrith-based rider Leo Walsh who clinched third place in the U12s boys race with a great bike throw on the line and Alex Hodgson, also of Penrith, who finished 6th in the highly competitive U16s boys race.
But it wasn’t just about winning. The day was a good-natured affair with making new friends and enjoying the post-race sweets in the sunshine, as much a part of the event as the medals.
The organisers would like to thank all who made the day a success and to Cumberland Council for their support.
The league now moves on to Liverpool for the next round in three weeks’ time and racing returns to Carlisle this Thursday evening with races for both children and adults from 6.30pm.
