Poor weather resulted in reduced numbers of both riders and spectators at the 11th round of Carlisle Cycling Association’s summer race series yesterday, but those who did brave the at times torrential rain in Harraby were treated to some impressive racing.
The night began with racing for Veterans – riders in the year of their 40th birthday or older. After a few early attacks from different riders, Wolf Cycles’ Dan Kendall stamped his authority on the race with an impressive solo breakaway.
Nobody could catch him and he took the overall win as well as the victory in the over-40 class.
Nearly 19 seconds later, second place went to over 40 Richard Davidson who narrowly outsprinted first placed over 60 Bryan Pool of Border City Wheelers.
Winner of the over 50 class was another popular location rider, Dougie Pratt of Rock to Roll Cycle Club.
Several of the Veterans then joined younger riders in two more races. There were some strong rides from many of the competitors, both local and visitors but the night belonged to one man.
Jonathan Wilson, of Velo Club Cumbria, took a decisive victory in the first 25 lap race of the night, taking not only the overall victory but every one of the 4 intermediate sprint laps.
There were further podium appearances for Dan Kendall and Muckle CC’s Richard Davison.
The last race of the night began in torrential rain, with standing water beginning to gather on the circuit surface. It was testament to the riders’ skills and the quality of the circuit that everyone stayed upright.
Fortunately the rain stopped, the circuit quickly dried out and there was even some blue sky by the time the three riders who had broken away from the bunch contested the final sprint.
Yet again, Wilson and Davidson were in the mix, this time accompanied by Wolf Cycles rider Ed Hindmarsh.
As the trio sprinted for the line it looked as though Davidson would finally claim the top step of the podium but at the last moment it was Wilson who snatched victory, this time by a mere 200ths of a second.
The Velo Club Cumbria rider has been racing at Carlisle for several seasons but before this event had never placed first – he certainly made his mark in style this week!
Racing returns to the Circuit next Thursday night with Youth racing followed by competition for Category 2,3 and 4 adults.
