Numbers were slightly reduced at Carlisle Cycle Circuit last night as some regulars preferred to stay home to watch the football.
But those who did attend were treated to some good quality racing and a lovely sunny evening.
The night began with a race for category 4 men and women of any category, with a fairly small field of visiting and local riders making it ideal for newcomers.
This week it was the visitors from the north east that dominated – with the podium places going to Thomas Fletcher, Dan Wilmot and Charles Kenny.
Top-placed Cumbrian was Penrith rider Ethan Brough, competing in his first race of this type and taking a very creditable 5th place.
In a change from the normal format there were then two 25 laps for riders of any category which attracted a strong field.
The first of the two races included sprints every five laps with small prizes for the first across the line.
The spoils were shared between Cumbrians Jonathan Wilson and Adam Bent, and Hugo Lutz-Atkinson who had travelled from the Newcastle area.
It was Hugo who ultimately finished on the top step of the podium ahead of Jonathan Wilson, with Max Lutz-Atkinson in third.
In the final race of the night Muckle CC’s Ryan Parkinson and Wolf Cycles’ Jossy Wright broke away from the bunch early and stayed away, with the Muckle rider then narrowly winning the final sprint.
The Lutz- Atkinson brothers completed a successful evening with Hugo taking the final podium spot and Max leading the rest of the bunch over the line in 4th.
Carlisle Cycling Association is developing a reputation for friendly and inclusive racing and that was much in evidence last night with experienced riders sharing their expertise and encouraging the newcomers, and riders achieving personal bests receiving as much applause as the winners.
Amongst a number of personal successes, popular local rider Dougie Pratt of Rock to Roll CC bagged his first points of the season, and the sole female rider of the night, Amelia Cleathero, moved up from 4th to 3rd category.
The race series continues next week with a mix of Youth and adult racing.
