Warm weather and light winds made for fast race conditions at Harraby last night and the riders in Carlisle Cycling Association’s evening series did not disappoint.
The first race of the night was for Category 4 riders but whilst this is British Cycling’s entry level race category the quality and speed of the field impressed the spectators who could have been watching a higher category race.
There were a number of attacking moves throughout the race but the majorityof the group were still together in the final lap and the win went to the youngest rider in the race, Muckle CC’s Jack Barlow, with another North East rider, James Elves in second place.
Al Wilson riding for the Lakes Road Club rounded out the podium. There was a strong ride the 4th place from Kieran Ormandy and David Jones of Velo Club Cumbria was impressive in 5th in what was his first ever Circuit race. First female rider was Amelia Cleathero.
The more experienced riders went next with a change to the usual format. First they contested a fast and furious 25 lap race which was won by Joe Beckingsale from Dearham’s Jude Davison and Sam Barbour riding for Cycling Sheffield.
After a short break the riders finished with another 25 lap race, this time with “primes” every 5 laps.
In this race format the first rider across the line wins a small prize, leading to some attacking and entertaining riding.
First category rider Liam Scott Douglas from Glasgow made any early solo attack and took the first 2 primes with ease but he was eventually caught by the bunch.
Joe Beckingsale bagged primes 3 and 4 and was in a good position coming into the final sprint.
The Welsh rider was unable to make it two podiums in one night though as he was edged out into 4th place by a fast finishing trio of Jude Davison, Jake Dobson and Liam Scott Douglas.
Racing returns to the circuit next Thursday with Youth racing followed by competition for 2nd, 3rd and 4th Category riders.
