Riders and volunteers at Carlisle Cycle Circuit were glad of some respite from the cold weather this week, and the sunshine brought out the highest number of competitors in this year’s evening race series so far.
The programme began with the youth races, and the organisers were pleased to welcome several youngsters racing at the circuit for the first time, including some completely new to racing their bikes.
The Under-8s and Under-10s were off first and there was spirited riding from everyone. The Under-10s winners were Mitch Stewart and Imogen Watkins and first in the Under-8s were Oliver Nichol and, following in her big brothers’ footsteps, Skye Stewart.
There was a good field in the older Youth race, with local rider Alex Hodgson leading the riders home to take victory in the Under-16 boys race.
The Scots were on form with Eilish Gaffney winning the Under-16s girls race; Izzy Barbour the Under-14s girls and Josh Stewart the Under-14s boys.
Kirstie Annable, riding for Derwentside CC, was on the top step of the podium in the Under-12s girls and there was a convincing win in the U12s boys from Leo Walsh of Penrith, fresh from overall victory in his age group at the prestigious Isle of Man Youth Tour over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Fastest lap in the Youth racing was by Matthew Best of Manilla Cycling in the under-14s boys race.
The temperature had dropped a little by the times the adults took to the start line but the 24 riders still had good race conditions and they kept up a brisk pace throughout, with the leaders averaging around 27mph over the 50 minutes.
It was victory for the visitors this week, with Daniel Cutler from Lanarkshire beating his compatriot Ben Gibson into second.
There were some notable performances from local riders though with Wolf Cycles’ Jossy Wright in third and also claiming the fastest lap of the night, and Penrith’s Matthew Bell, youngest rider in the race, narrowly missing the podium with a very strong ride for fourth place.
