Carlisle Cycling Association’s 2026 race season got off to an excellent start last night when the weather was cool and breezy but dry.
Consequently a good number of riders, ranging in age from four years old to late 50’s, took part in the races.
The first race of the night was for riders in the under-8’s and under-10’s categories where the local children were joined by a strong contingent from Scotland.
The honours were shared across the border, with Cumbrians Oliver Nichol and Mieke van Schelven victorious in the Under-8 boys’ and Under-10 girls’ races whilst Scots Skye Stewart and David McIntyre were fastest Under-8 girl and Under-10 boy.
It was particularly pleasing to see so many new faces in this race, with several youngsters racing for the very first time and all giving a very good account of themselves.
The older children raced next and the cross-border rivalries continued. Local rider Wesley van Schelven was top Under-12 boy and Scot Zoe Martin won the equivalent girls’ race.
North East cyclist Kirstie Annnable rode very well to take the win in the Under-14 girls’ competition and Scottish brothers Cobey and Josh Stewart started 2026 the same way as they finished 2025 – on the top step of the podium in their races.
The night finished with a strong field of over 20 adults in the race for Category 3 and 4 riders.
A three-man group consisting of Chris Little, Alastair Murray and Adam Russell broke away fairly early in the race.
The trio worked well together, consistently lapping the 1km Circuit in just over 1 minute 20 seconds until they built up a substantial lead over the chasing group.
It seemed likely that the podium places would be taken by these three riders barring some kind of disaster and that is indeed how the race played out, with Little coming home first and Russell beating Newcastle rider Murray into third.
Local rider Blain Ewing, riding for Velo Club Cumbria, was best of the rest, sprinting out of the bunch for 4th place and achieving the fastest lap of the night in an impressive 1 minute 16 seconds.
Next week’s racing includes the first opportunity of the year for the higher category racers to test their legs on the Harraby circuit and close, exciting competition is anticipated.
New riders, volunteers and spectators are always welcome at CCA events and more details can be found on their Facebook page.
