It was a night of close competition at the Carlisle Cycling Association’s 5th round of evening competition.
The youngest riders of the night demonstrated great spirit in their competition with the Skye Stewart, of Castle Douglas, narrowly beating fellow Scot Isla Faichen to the line in the U8 girls’ race, with local rider Jessica Fearon riding for Lakeland Sprinters completing the podium.
Skye’s brother Mitch took the win in the U10s boys race but there were Cumbrian winners in the U8 boys and U10 girls from Oliver Nichol and Mieke van Schelven.
The visitors had the edge in the older children’s race with Cobey and Josh Stewart making it a complete set of wins for their family in the U12 and U14 boys’ competitions, Izzy Barbour of Edinburgh Road Club on the top step in the U16 girls ‘ race and Zack Stobbs of the Tyneside Vagabonds winner of the U16 boys.
There were some strong rides from local cyclists however too, with a very friendly and supportive ethos from all the youngsters regardless of which clubs they ride for. All the riders are to be commended for their endeavour and sporting behaviour.
The adult race this week was a close fought race for Category 3 and 4 riders which ended dramatically.
In the last lap there were several riders vying for the win but unfortunately a crash on the final bend took down a couple of riders and forced several more onto the grass transiently.
Glasgow Green CC’s Thomas Johnstone was able to get away for the win with Neil Withington of Beacon Wheelers coming in second and James Elves from Hartlepool in third.
Elves was also the highest finishing 4th Category rider. Thomas Johnstone rode the fastest lap of the night in a fraction over 1 minute 15 seconds and there were some notable achievements further down the field.
Bryan Pool of Border City Wheelers achieved a very creditable 6th place just 10 days after his brilliant performance in the Fred Whitton Challenge where he was 12th fastest overall and fastest rider over 60 years of age.
And Alistair Boyd went home happy to Newcastle having picked up the British Cycling ranking points he needed to move up from 4th to 3rd Category.
Neither of the riders involved in the crash were seriously injured and will hopefully soon be back in the saddle.
Racing returns to the Cycle Circuit on Thursday June 5 after a break for half term.
