A breezy but sunny Silloth greeted cyclists from all over the north of England and Scotland yesterday in a festival of cycling.
The iconic cobbled streets of the town staged races in the Cumberland Cobbler, organised by Carlisle Cycling Association and which is part of Cumberland Council’s Solway Coast Cycling Festival.
The younger children rode first, completing individual timed laps of the circuit and winners included Scots Isla Faichen, Zoe Martin and Mitch Stewart, Cillian Graham from Northumberland and Penrith’s Leo Walsh.
In the older youth event Scottish siblings Zach and Izzy Barbour won their races and there was also local success for Cockermouth’s Sophie Smith-Jackson and Luke Davison of Dearham.
After a short lunch break, when members of the public were able to ride their bikes around the course in the company of Olympic champion Philip Hindes, there were two adult races.
The Regional Cobbler open to category 3 and 4 racers and women of any category was dominated by local riders with seven of the top ten places filled by Cumbrians. Wolf Cycles’ Jossy Wright beat his team mate Ed Hindmarsh into second and Giant Kendal’s Ed Moss rounded out the podium.
Unfortunately there were insufficient entries for a standalone Women’s race this year but several female riders opted to ride with the men and separate prizes were awarded.
Last year’s victor Lucy Glover proved that she is indeed queen of The Cobbles, coming home as first woman and 4th rider overall. Corinne Side and Lily Bridle completed the Women’s podium.
The final race was the National B level race contested by some very strong riders. Victory went to the in-form Jake Edwards of the Cogset Papyrus Race Team, who also recently performed well in the North West Under 23 Tour held in Cumbria.
Eighteen-year-old John Bardsley, riding for 360cycling, put in a strong ride for second and the third step on the podium went to Loughborough Students CC rider Matthew Webster. Top local rider was Olli Dawson of Wolf Cycles in 6th place.
Prizes were presented by 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medallist Philip Hindes who praised the riders for their efforts in the blustery conditions.
